Current Affairs 04 April 2026

Artemis II: NASA Launches First Crewed Mission to Moon Orbit

The Artemis II was launched on April 1, 2026, marking NASA’s first crewed mission under the Artemis programme to send humans back towards the Moon.

Mission Objective:

The primary goal is to test the Orion spacecraft systems in deep space, including:

• Life-support systems
• Navigation
• Crew operations

This mission does not land on the Moon, but prepares for future lunar missions.

Mission Details:

• Duration – Around 10 days
• Free-return trajectory (loops around Moon and returns safely)
• Launch Vehicle – Space Launch System (SLS)

The spacecraft will travel farther than any human since 1972, orbiting the Moon’s far side and returning with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

NCERT Granted ‘Deemed to be University’ Status

The Ministry of Education has granted “deemed to be university” status to the National Council of Educational Research and Training, enabling it to offer academic programmes and award degrees.

• The status was approved by the University Grants Commission in January 2026 and officially notified on March 30, 2026.
• This status applies to NCERT along with its six regional institutes.

New Capabilities:

NCERT can now:

• Offer degree and diploma programmes
• Launch research and PhD programmes
• Introduce innovative academic courses

AP Ranks First in Micro-Irrigation

Andhra Pradesh has secured first place in the country in micro-irrigation (drip and sprinkler irrigation). The state achieved this distinction at the national level.

Progress in 2025–26:

During the year 2025–26, 3.15 lakh acres were brought under micro-irrigation across the state.

• 1,08,143 farmers were benefited, receiving subsidies.
• Gujarat (2.69 lakh acres), Maharashtra (2.62 lakh acres), and Rajasthan (2.42 lakh acres) ranked below Andhra Pradesh.

Crops Covered Under Micro-Irrigation:

Tomato, Chilli, Banana, Bitter Gourd, Onion, Papaya, Cotton, Tobacco, Sugarcane, Turmeric, Oil Palm, Maize, and other crops.

Subsidy Structure:

• SC & ST Farmers: Central government provides 55% subsidy, state government provides 45% to make it 100%.
• Small farmers: Central provides 55%, state contributes 35% and make it 90%.
• Other farmers: Central gives 45%, state adds more to reach 90%.

Swachha Sanstha Gets Scotch Award

The Swachha Sanstha (Clean Institution) has been honoured with the prestigious Scotch Award for 2025. The Chief of the organization received the award in Delhi.

India’s Seafood Exports Cross ₹62,000 Crore

India’s fisheries sector has emerged as a major driver of exports, employment, and food security, with seafood exports reaching ₹62,408 crore in 2024–25, showing strong growth over the years.

• India is the 2nd largest aquaculture producer globally (China largest aqua producer).
• Contributes around 8% of global fish production.
• Fish production increased from 141.64 lakh tonnes (2019–20) to 197.75 lakh tonnes (2024–25)

Export Performance:

• Seafood exports grew at ~7% annually
• Major aqua export – Frozen shrimp (₹43,334 crore)
• Export destinations – 130 countries
• Largest market – USA (36.42%)

Government Initiatives:

Under PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY):

• Expansion of aquaculture
• Promotion of high-value species (tuna, seabass, shrimp, etc.)
• Strengthening cold chain and infrastructure

Reforms & Improvements:

• Digitisation of Sanitary Import Permit (SIP) – Approval time reduced to 72 hours
• Compliance with global standards like Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA)
• Use of Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) for sustainable fishing