
Daily Current Affairs Today 3 April 2026 covers all the important national and international updates relevant for SSC and Railway exam preparation. From India’s first digital census to defence developments like INS Malwan and global events such as the Indonesia earthquake, today’s current affairs help you stay exam-ready.
This roundup also includes key schemes, environmental discoveries, space updates, and static GK connections. If you are preparing seriously, these updates will strengthen both your current affairs and general awareness sections.
It highlights significant national developments, including India's first digital census and the extension of the NDRF Director General's tenure, alongside international news and key academic updates.
India recently held the Seventh Round Foreign Office Consultation with Algeria. Algeria, located in North Africa, has its capital in Algiers, which is situated on the Mediterranean Sea. Its bordering countries include Tunisia, Libya, and Niger. The Chelif River is a significant river in Algeria. Geographically, the Strait of Gibraltar connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean, separating Morocco from Spain.
The consultation, hosted by Algeria, saw Dr. Neena Malhotra, Secretary from the Ministry of External Affairs, representing India. The discussions focused on enhancing cooperation in areas such as counter-terrorism, food security, medicine, overall security, and trade. Notably, Algeria is the largest country in Africa by area and shares its northern border with the Mediterranean Sea.
The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana (Millionaire Daughter Scheme) has been launched by the Delhi Government to provide financial support to girls. The scheme aims to assist girls from birth until they reach 21 years of age, primarily for their education (primary and higher education).
The financial support is disbursed in stages:
At Birth: ₹11,000
Primary Education (Class 1, 6, 9, 11, 12): ₹5,000 at each stage
1-year Diploma: ₹10,000
2-3 year Diploma: ₹15,000
4-year Graduation Course: ₹25,000
To be eligible, a girl must either be born in Delhi or have resided in Delhi for at least 3 years. The benefits are limited to a maximum of two girls per family. This scheme aligns with educational initiatives such as the Right to Education, enshrined in Article 21A of the Indian Constitution, the Right to Education Act of 2009, and the National Education Policy 2020.
Historically, Qutubuddin Aibak is associated with the establishment of the Delhi Sultanate, Shah Jahan shifted the capital to Delhi and built the Red Fort, and the British shifted the capital to Delhi in 1911.
India has commenced a fully digital census for the year 2027. Censuses are conducted every 10 years, with the last one in 2011. The 2021 census was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making the current exercise India's first fully digital census, with data collection starting in 2026 for the 2027 census.
This is the 16th overall census in India's history and the 8th census conducted after Independence. The process involves two phases: a Housing Census (counting of houses) and a Population Census (collection of population data). The project has a total investment of ₹1718 Crore.
Key details for the 2027 census include:
Ambassador: Sudarsan Pattnaik
Mascots: Pragati (female) and Vikas (male)
Data Collection Agency: National Statistical Office (NSO)
Responsible Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs
Head: Mrityunjay Kumar Narayan
Start Date of Data Collection: April 1, 2026
First Data Collected From: President of India, Droupadi Murmu, as the First Citizen of India.
Citizens have the option to fill their details online.
Globally, India's census is recognized as the world's largest counting exercise and this specific iteration as the world's largest digital census. India has also conducted caste-based censuses in states like Bihar and Andhra Pradesh.
The theme for this digital census is "Jan Ganana Se Jan Kalyan Tak" (From Census to Public Welfare). The 2011 Census was the 15th overall census and the 7th after Independence, with the first census conducted in 1872. C. Chandramouli served as the Registrar General for the 2011 Census.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 7.4 on the Richter scale recently struck Indonesia, raising concerns about a potential tsunami. The epicenter of the earthquake was located in the Malacca Sea, situated between Sulawesi Island and Maluku Island. Due to its underwater epicenter, a tsunami was considered likely.
Indonesia is highly susceptible to such events as it lies within the "Ring of Fire," an area characterized by frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity. A tsunami generated in Indonesia could potentially impact India. It's important to distinguish the Malacca Sea from the Strait of Malacca, which is located between Sumatra (part of Indonesia) and Malaysia/Singapore. The term "tsunami" is a Japanese term meaning "Sea Harbor."
Historically, Indonesia experienced a major tsunami in 2004, which also affected Tamil Nadu in India and led to the establishment of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world (a group of islands) and has the maximum number of volcanoes globally, numbering around 120. The Equator line passes through Indonesia, and it borders both the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean.
An Albino Himalayan Tahr, distinct for its white color, was recently spotted after a long time in the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary. This sanctuary is located in the Chamba District, Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the Dhauladhar range of the Himalayas. Notable nearby landmarks include the Manimahesh Temple.
The region is also traversed by the Ravi River and the Chenab River (formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers). Adjacent wildlife sanctuaries include Tundah Wildlife Sanctuary and Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary, and the area features Alpine Forest due to its cold, high-altitude environment.
In contrast, the Nilgiri Tahr is found in the Western Ghats, specifically in Kerala and Tamil Nadu (Nilgiri Hills). It is the state animal of Tamil Nadu, with its maximum population found in Kerala, particularly in Eravikulam National Park. The Nilgiri Tahr is endemic to the Western Ghats, primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Kerala, where it inhabits mountain grasslands and rocky habitats.
An Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW-SWC) named INS Malwan has been launched and handed over to the Indian Navy. This Shallow Water Craft is specifically designed for anti-submarine warfare, capable of detecting and destroying underwater mines, as well as conducting surveillance and monitoring missions.
INS Malwan was launched on March 31, 2024, at Kochi, Kerala, and developed by Cochin Shipyard Limited. It belongs to the Abhay Class of vessels. A total of eight such vessels are planned under this project, with INS Malwan being the second in the series. (Memory Tip: Identify the name of the first vessel in the Abhay Class ASW-SWC series that was handed over to the Indian Navy.)
The name "Malwan" is inspired by a coastal area in Maharashtra historically significant to the Maratha Dynasty during the time of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
Other planned vessels in this class include Mangrol, Malpe, Mulki, Monre, Makka, and Mandvi. INS Malwan is designed to detect and destroy underwater mines, utilizing a Sonar system for mine hunting, and is intended for Anti-Submarine Warfare.
Recent astronomical discoveries have led to a significant increase in the number of known moons orbiting Saturn and Jupiter, the second-largest planet and largest planet in our solar system, respectively.
Saturn, renowned for its seven prominent rings composed of ice particles, was extensively studied by the Cassini mission. Its average temperature is approximately -178°C.
The updated moon counts are as follows:
Saturn: 11 new moons discovered, bringing the total to 285.
Jupiter: Total moon count now stands at 1001.
Uranus: Total 28 moons.
Neptune: Total 16 moons (Neptune is the furthest planet from the Sun).
The increasing number of discoveries reflects the universe's constant expansion and advancements in our knowledge and technology. Mercury, the planet closest to the Sun, has an orbital period of 88 days. Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, a gas giant primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, and notably has very low density, allowing it to float in water.
The tenure of Piyush Anand as the Director General (DG) of the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has been extended by one year, until March 2027, by the Cabinet.
The NDRF was established on January 19, 2006, operating under the National Disaster Management Act, 2005, and comprises 16 battalions with its headquarters in Delhi. The National Disaster Management Act, 2005, was initiated in 2004 following the devastating tsunami that affected Tamil Nadu.
This Act led to the formation of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and the establishment of a National Disaster Management Fund. Both the NDMA and NDRF function under the Ministry of Home Affairs, with the NDMA also responsible for collecting funds for disaster management.
The book 'Tides of Time' by Sudha Murty was recently launched. Sudha Murty, a Rajya Sabha Member, is the wife of Narayan Murty, founder of the Infosys Group, and is also known for her book 'Dollar Bahu'.
The launch event was presided over by C.P. Radhakrishnan and took place at the new Parliament Building, specifically at Samvidhan Sadan. The book chronicles India's history and evolution, covering a wide span from the Indus Valley Civilization through periods like the Chola and Chera dynasties.
It also discusses the historical expansion of India's influence to regions like Sri Lanka and Indonesia, culminating in the present vision of a developed India. Om Birla was also present at the launch.
Raghav Chadha has been removed from his position as Deputy Leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in the Rajya Sabha, though the reason for his removal has not been disclosed. He has been replaced by Ashok Mittal as the new Deputy Leader. The current Leader of the AAP in Rajya Sabha is Sanjay Singh.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was established in November 2012 by Arvind Kejriwal, and its political symbol is the Broom.
The Rajya Sabha (Council of States) is a Permanent House and is governed by Article 80 of the Indian Constitution. The Vice President of India serves as its ex-officio Chairperson, with the current Vice Chairperson being Harivansh Narayan Singh. One-third (1/3) of its members retire every two years, and the minimum age to become a member of the Rajya Sabha is 30 years.
A significant painting by Raja Ravi Varma, widely regarded as the Father of Modern Indian Art, was recently auctioned. The oil painting depicts Yashoda and Lord Krishna and was sold for a remarkable ₹167.2 crore. The painting was acquired by Poonawalla and is noted as one of the world's most expensive paintings.
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