Current Affairs 02 April 2026

Census 2027 Begins with First-Ever Digital Self-Enumeration

Union Government has launched Census 2027, the world’s largest census exercise, starting with the Houselisting and Housing Census (Phase I) from 01 April 2026 to 30 September 2026.

For the first time, the Census introduces:

• Digital data collection
• Self-Enumeration facility

Citizens can now fill their details online before the enumerator’s visit using a secure portal.

The exercise was symbolically initiated by the President of India, followed by the Vice-President, Prime Minister, and Home Minister participating through self-enumeration.

Coverage:

Self-enumeration began in:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands
• Goa
• Karnataka
• Lakshadweep
• Mizoram
• Odisha
• Sikkim
• Cantonment areas (Delhi)

Chhattisgarh Model of Women Empowerment

The Chhattisgarh model of women-led development through Self-Help Groups (SHGs) has emerged as a strong example of inclusive growth and women empowerment.

Major Initiatives:

• Mahtari Vandan Yojana – Financial support to women
• Lakhpati Didi Yojana – Income generation and livelihood promotion
• Promotion of ready-to-eat food products and e-commerce sales

Role of Tribal Crafts:

Traditional crafts like Dhokra (lost-wax metal art) from Bastar are:

• Preserving tribal culture and heritage
• Providing sustainable livelihoods

National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL)

The Government of India has established National Cooperative Organics Limited (NCOL) under the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002, with approval from the Union Cabinet.

Key Highlights:

NCOL functions as an umbrella organisation for:

• Aggregation and procurement of organic products
• Certification and testing
• Branding and marketing

Organic products under NCOL are marketed using the brand name “Bharat Organics”. So far, 27 organic products have been launched.

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026

The Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has been passed in the Lok Sabha, granting legal status to Amaravati as the sole capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Key Highlights:

• The amendment ends years of uncertainty regarding the State’s capital, providing a clear administrative framework and boosting governance efficiency.
• Amaravati is envisioned as a global-standard capital city and a major growth engine for the State.

Development Impact:

• Over ₹56,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects underway
• Expected to restore investor confidence, generate large-scale employment and accelerate economic growth.

Background:

Amaravati was originally conceptualised in 2015 by N. Chandrababu Naidu. The Amaravati capital project follows a land pooling model, where around 29,000 farmers contributed over 34,000 acres of land and became stakeholders in urban development. The Amaravati Capital gets major financial support from World Bank, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and HUDCO.

Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Department Wins National Awards

The Andhra Pradesh Panchayat Raj Department has been selected for the prestigious Deendayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas National Awards for the second consecutive year, recognising its efforts in rural development and grassroots governance.

Key Highlights:

Several villages from Andhra Pradesh achieved top national rankings in different categories:

Income-tax Act, 2025 Comes into Force

India has implemented the Income-tax Act, 2025, replacing the Income-tax Act, 1961, marking a major reform in the country’s direct tax system.

The new Act focuses on:

• Simplification of tax laws
• Use of clear and reader-friendly language
• Streamlined structure for better understanding

Importantly, the reform does not change the core tax policy, but improves compliance and accessibility.

Timeline:

• Introduced in Lok Sabha on 11 August 2025 and passed by Lok Sabha on the same day.
• Bill was passed in Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2025.
• Presidential assent on 21 August 2025
• Act came into force on 1 April 2026

The Income-tax Rules, 2026 were notified by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) to operationalise the Act.

Reforms Introduced:

• Simplified and standardised tax forms
• Process re-engineering for easier compliance
• Improved clarity for taxpayers

Disaster Funding Formula used in 16th Finance Commission

Concerns have been raised regarding the disaster funding allocation formula of the 16th Finance Commission, which may disadvantage disaster-prone states despite higher risks.

Key Highlights:

The 16th Finance Commission has allocated ₹2,04,401 crore to State Disaster Response Funds (SDRF), marking a significant increase compared to the previous commission.

It introduced a Disaster Risk Index (DRI) based on:

• Hazard
• Exposure
• Vulnerability

Core Issue:

The formula uses total population as a measure of exposure, which has been criticised as inaccurate. Experts argue that exposure should reflect population living in hazard-prone areas, not total population.

As a result:

• Highly disaster-prone states like Odisha have received reduced funding share
• Larger states with higher population get relatively higher allocation

Additional Concerns:

• Vulnerability is measured using per capita income, which may not reflect actual disaster vulnerability
• Ignores factors like:
  • Housing quality
  • Health infrastructure
  • Disaster preparedness

Mooshahary Committee (2005)

The Mooshahary Committee (2005), chaired by R.S. Mooshahary and set up by the Ministry of Home Affairs, reviewed earlier police reform reports. It identified and shortlisted 49 key recommendations to improve police functioning, including establishing State Security Commissions, separating investigation from law & order, fixing tenures, and modernizing police forces. The committee shortlisted 49 important recommendations.

Context

The Government of India has reiterated that “Police” is a State subject under the Seventh Schedule (State List) of the Constitution, making State Governments primarily responsible for police reforms.

Vice President Releases Book ‘Tides of Time’ by Sudha Murty

The Vice President of India Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan released the book “Tides of Time: Bharat’s History through Murals in Parliament”, authored by Rajya Sabha MP Sudha Murty.

Key Highlights:

The book highlights India’s civilizational journey through 124 mural panels displayed in Parliament, covering:

• Indus Valley Civilization
• Ancient thinkers like Valmiki and Chanakya
• Teachings of Mahavira and Buddha
• Freedom struggle (Dandi March, Gandhi, Subhas Chandra Bose)