Current Affairs 04 April 2026

Indian defence exports hit a record high in FY 2025–26.

• India’s defence exports reach ₹38,424 crore (~$4.6B) in FY 2025–26, up 62.66% YoY.
• Defence PSUs: ₹21,071 crore (151% growth), Private sector: ₹17,353 crore (14% growth).
• Exports to 80+ countries; 145 active exporters.
• Growth supported by policy reforms, ease of doing business, and simplified export procedures.
• Key inductions: Lt Gen Dhiraj Seth as Vice Chief of Army Staff, Malwan ASW craft, and Dunagiri stealth frigate.
• MoD Departments: DoD, DMA, DDP, DDR&D, DESW – coordinated by Defence Secretary for national security.

Punjab begins its 1st-ever caste-based socio-economic survey.

• Punjab launched its 1st-ever caste socio-economic survey on 1 April 2026.
• Purpose: Assess living standards of all communities for equitable and targeted policymaking.
• Budget: ₹250 Crore allocated for the survey.
• Manpower: ~28,000 enumerators deployed; expected completion in 3 months.
• State also aims to determine the exact number of drug addicts.

Lancet Study: Five Countries Responsible for Over One-3rd of Global Maternal Deaths.

• Five countries – Nigeria, India, Ethiopia, Pakistan, Cameroon – account for 36% of global maternal deaths.
• India recorded 24,700 maternal deaths in 2023; MMR declined from 508 (1990) to 116 per 100,000 live births.
• Global MMR: 190.5 per 100,000 in 2023, nearly 3× higher than SDG target (<70).
• Leading causes: Haemorrhage and hypertensive disorders (>45% in India).
• Extended postnatal care needed as late maternal deaths (43 days–1 year) are 3.2% globally.

UIDAI partners with MapmyIndia to display Aadhaar centres on the Mappls app.

• UIDAI signs agreement with MapmyIndia to map authorized Aadhaar centres on the Mappls App.
• Integration features:
• Official data ensures accurate listing of all service points.
• Users can filter by service type: adult/child enrollment, address/mobile updates.
• Operational timeline: Feature to be fully available in the coming months.

Andhra Pradesh to inaugurate India’s 1st quantum computer in Amaravati.

• Andhra Pradesh to launch India’s 1st quantum computer on 14 April 2026.
• Part of Amaravati Quantum Valley (AQV) project; aim: top-five global quantum hub by 2030.
• Infrastructure: 8 towers with research centers, labs, and incubators.
• Industry partners: IBM, TCS, Larsen & Toubro; 15 MoUs signed, 7 companies operational.
• Focus on indigenous quantum tech development (cryogenics, photonics, electronics, devices).
• Workforce training: Programs with global institutions to build skilled talent.