Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for April 01, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. NSO Released Publication “Energy Statistics India 2026”

• What happened: NSO Released Publication “Energy Statistics India 2026”On March 30, 2026, the National Statistics Office(NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation(MoSPI), released the33rdedition of its annual publication,“Energy Statistics India 2026″. About Energy Statistics 2026: Key HighlightsSurge in RE Potential: The publication highlighted a significant surge inIndia’s Renewable Energy (RE) potential, which stood at 47,04,043 MegaWatt(MW) as on March 31, 2025.
• Key details: Credit Flow: The publication revealed that the Credit Flow to the energy sector in India has increased more than 6-times i. e. from an amount of Rs 1,688 crore (in 2021) to Rs 10,325 crore (in 2025) Regional Concentration: The report noted that over 70% of India’s total potential for generation of RE is concentrated in six states viz. Rajasthan (23.70%), Maharashtra (14.26%), Gujarat (9.10%), Andhra Pradesh (9.1%), Karnataka (8.59%) and Madhya Pradesh(8.09%).
• Key points: The report provides a comprehensive dataset on India’s energy reserves, capacity, production, and consumption and import/export of all the energy commodities, including: Coal, Lignite, Petroleum, Natural Gas (PNG), Renewable Energy (RE), among others,  of India, along with analytical tools like energy balance tables,  sankey diagrams,  and Sustainable Energy Indicators as per International Standards for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).; The report provides a comprehensive dataset on India’s energy reserves, capacity, production, and consumption and import/export of all the energy commodities, including: Coal, Lignite, Petroleum, Natural Gas (PNG), Renewable Energy (RE), among others,  of India, along with analytical tools like energy balance tables,  sankey diagrams,  and Sustainable Energy Indicators as per International Standards for the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25).; Among all the RE sources in India, Solar Energy dominated this segment, with a staggering growth of 33,43,378 MW (during FY: 2024-25) (around 71% of total potential);  followed by Wind Power (11,63,856 MW) and Large Hydro (1,33,410 MW).; Following the earlier approval of 46 applications worth Rs. 54,567 crore, a total of 75 applications have now been approved under ECMS, with expected investments of Rs. 61,671 crore and direct employment for 65,040 people.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Approvals of Electronics Manufacturing:

• What happened: Approvals of Electronics Manufacturing: Coverage: Approvals span 16 products with cross-sectoral applications across mobile, telecom, consumer electronics, automotive, strategic electronics, and Information Technology (IT) hardware.Components: Investment: Major investments include Rs.1,683 crore in capital goods (6 proposals) and Rs.1,350 crore in display module manufacturing (2 proposals).
• Key points: 1 sub-assemblies: Display Modules; 11 bare components: Antennas, Capacitors, Connectors, Heat Sinks, Li-ion Cells, Relays, Resistors, Transducers, SMD Passives, Flexible PCB and Inductors; 3 supply chain items: Laminates, Metallized films for Capacitors and Rare Earth Permanent Magnets; Capital Goods and their parts
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. PM E-DRIVE Subsidy Extended till July 31, 2026 for Electric Two-Wheelers

• What happened: PM E-DRIVE Subsidy Extended till July 31, 2026 for Electric Two-Wheelers In March 2026, the Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) extended thedemand subsidyfor electric two-wheelers(e-2Ws) under the Prime Minister’s Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement(PM E-DRIVE) SchemetillJuly 31, 2026, providing an additional four months beyond March 31, 2026. About Extension of PM E-DRIVE Scheme: Extension: Subsidy for e-2Ws overall scheme continues till 31 March 2028, with electric three-wheelers (e-3Ws) supported throughout the scheme period.
• Key details: Outlay: Total allocation ofRs. 10,900crore, including Rs. 3,679 crore for demand incentives and Rs.
• Key points: The MoU was signed by Professor Vaidya Rabinarayan Acharya, Director General (DG) of CCRAS, and Dr. Buddha Chandrasekhar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Anuvadini AI.; The MoU was signed by Director General (DG) FaizAhmedKidwai, DGCA  and Vice Chancellor Professor Manoj Choudhury, GSV, in the presence of Union Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu, MoCA and Ashwini Vaishnaw, MoR.; The contract was signed in New Delhi (Delhi) under the Buy (Indian–Indigenously Designed, Developed and Manufactured, IDDM) category, reinforcing the Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India initiatives.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Government Extends PM KUSUM Project Deadline to March 2027

• What happened: Government Extends PM KUSUM Project Deadline to March 2027.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

• What happened: In March 2026, theMinistry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) extended the timeline for commissioning certain projects under thePradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan(PM KUSUM) scheme, providing relief to developers and state agencies. Key Highlights: Eligibility: The extension applies to projects where Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) or Letters of Intent (LoIs) were signed or issued on or beforeDecember 31, 2025.
• Key details: Revised Timeline: The commissioning deadline has been extended toMarch 31, 2027. Scheme Target: The scheme aims to add34,800 MWof solar capacity with central financial assistance of Rs 34,422 crore, originally targeted for completion byMarch 2026. About PM KUSUM Scheme: The PM-KUSUM, launched in 2019, aims to promote solar energy use in agriculture and reduce dependence on diesel and grid electricity.
• Key points: Under its funding pattern, the Central and State Governments each provide 30% subsidy, while farmers contribute 40% (with provision for bank loans), ensuring affordability and wider participation.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. SCAP, CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoU

• What happened: SCAP, CSIR-NIScPR Sign MoUto Strengthen Science Communication and Evidence‑Based PolicymakingIn March 2026, the Science City of Andhra Pradesh(SCAP) which works under the Department of Infrastructure and Investment (DII) of Andhra Pradesh (AP) Government, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research(CSIR-NIScPR), in New Delhi (Delhi). Key Details of MoU: Aim: The newly signed MoU aims to bolster science communication, promote research collaboration, and support evidence-based policymaking in Science, Technology and Innovation (STI). Nodal Officers: Dr. Geetha Vani Rayasam, Director of CSIR-NIScPR; Dr.
• Key details: Yogesh Suman and Dr. NK Prasanna, will serve as nodal officers for future initiatives.Key Features: The MoU outlines key activities/programmes to promote STI in state, including joint research projects, outreach programmes, and development of educational content, mentorship support, and promotion of scientific journals and knowledge resources.CSIR-NIScPR: It is a constituent laboratory which works under CSIR, Ministry of Science and Technology (MoST).
• Key points: It formally came into existence on April 01, 2021, following the merger of erstwhile CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Information Resources(CSIR-NISCAIR) and CSIR-National Institute of Science, Technology and Development Studies(CSIR-NISTADS).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. Punjab CM-led Cabinet Approves Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana

• What happened: Punjab CM-led Cabinet Approves Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar YojanaIn March 2026, thePunjab Cabinet, led byBhagwant Singh Mann, Chief Minister (CM) of Punjab, approved a new women-centric scheme named “Mukh Mantri Mawan Dheeyan Satkar Yojana(MMMDSY)”in the state. About MMMDSY: Budget: The Punjab government sanctionedRs 9,300 crorefor the scheme in the state budget for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), which was presented in the legislative assembly in March 2026.DBT Initiative: This newly approved scheme is designed as a Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) initiative.
• Key details: Under which, funds will be transferred directly into the bank accounts of eligible women beneficiaries.Eligibility Criteria: The new scheme is expected to benefit nearly 97% of adult women in the state. Women aged 18 years or above; registered as a voter in Punjab.Monthly Financial Assistance: The state government will provide monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 to all women in the state, while Scheduled Caste(SC) women will get Rs 1,500 per month. *******.
• Key points: The scheme marks a major step towards ensuring direct economic support to women across the state.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🔬 Science & Technology

8. GRSE Kolkata Delivered Three Frontline Warships, Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray to IN

• What happened: GRSE Kolkata Delivered Three Frontline Warships, Dunagiri, Sanshodhak and Agray to INIn March 2026, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE), Indian Defence Public Sector Unit (PSU) delivered three frontline platforms: advanced guided missile frigate‘Dunagiri’, the survey vessel‘Sanshodhak’, and anti-submarine warfare shallow watercraft‘Agray’, to the Indian Navy (IN). Key Details: Dunagiri(Yard 3023): It is the second Nilgiri-Class stealth frigate built under Project 17A after Indian Naval Ship (INS) Nilgiri.INS Sanshodhak (Yard 3028): It is the 4th and last Survey Vessel Large (SVL), bolsters INs hydrographic and survey capabilities.
• Key details: Agray– ASW-SWC: Launched on March 13, 2024, it is the fourth of eight ASW SWC, and is designed for coastal defence operations.
• Key points: These deliveries marked a major milestone for indigenous defence manufacturing, enhancing the IN’s capabilities in strike, survey, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

9. MoFKeeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q1FY27In March 2026, In March 2026, t

• What happened: MoFKeeps Interest Rates on Small Savings Schemes Unchanged for Q1FY27In March 2026, In March 2026, the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA-Budget Division) under the Ministry of Finance (MoF) retainedinterest rates unchangedacrossallSmall Savings Schemes(SSS) for the 1st Quarter of Financial Year 2026–27(Q1FY27), i. e., fromApril 1, 2026 to June 30, 2026, as per the rates notified for Q4FY26.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

10. Overview of Post Office Savings Schemes:

• What happened: Overview of Post Office Savings Schemes: SSY: Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers 8.2% interest, allows a guardian to open an account for a girl child below 10, with Rs. 250–Rs.
• Key details: 1,50,000 yearly deposits, Section 80C benefits, and Exempt-Exempt-Exempt (EEE) tax status (tax free). PPF: Public Provident Fund (PPF) provides 7.1% interest with a Rs. 1.5 lakh annual limit, 15-year lock-in, and tax-free maturity under Section 80C.SCSS: Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) yields 8.2% interest, is designed for retirees, and ensures regular income with high safety.NSC: National Savings Certificate (NSC) offers 7.7% interest with a 5-year lock-in, where reinvested interest qualifies for Section 80C deduction.KVP: Kisan Vikas Patra (KVP) provides 7.5% interest, doubles investment in 115 months, and has no maximum deposit limit.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. RBI Extends Implementation of Revised CME framework to July 01, 2026

• What happened: RBI Extends Implementation of Revised CME framework to July 01, 2026In March 2026, the Reserve Bank of India(RBI) extended the implementation of itsrevised Capital Market Exposure (CME) frameworkby another 3 months toJuly 01, 2026(originally scheduled for April 01, 2026). Other Key Changes: Modified Definition of AcquisitionFinance: RBI has also modified the definition of acquisition finance which now includes the mergers and amalgamations.
• Key details: RBI has further clarified that acquisition finance may be extended only to acquiring control over non-financial target companies.Loans Against Securities: As per RBI directions, the new rules will now apply limits on loans against eligible securities across the banking system, restricting them atRs 1croreper individualandRs 25lakhfor Initial Public Offering(IPO)-related loans, Follow-on-Public Offer (FPOs) and Employee Stock Ownership Plan(ESOP) subscriptions.
• Key points: In February 2026, RBI issued the final Amendment Directions on CME, aimed to provide an enabling framework for banks to finance acquisitions by Indian corporates; rationalize the limits for lending by banks to individuals against shares, units of REITs, InvITs, among others, and introduce a principle-based framework for lending to Capital Market Intermediaries (CMIs).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. IRDAI Mandates India’s Insurers to Adopt Ind AS from April 01, 2026

• What happened: IRDAI Mandates India’s Insurers to Adopt Ind AS from April 01, 2026 In March 2026, the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India(IRDAI) mandated insurers to prepare and present financial statements in accordance with applicable Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) effectivefrom April 01, 2026. Key Details: Applicability: IRDAI has clarified that the implementation of Ind AS will apply to all categories of insurers which include life, general, stand alone health insurers and reinsurers.
• Key points: The decision was taken during the IRDAI’s 135th meeting, which has approved the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI) (Actuarial, Finance, and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.; The decision was taken during the IRDAI’s 135th meeting, which has approved the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India(IRDAI) (Actuarial, Finance, and Investment Functions of Insurers) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. Reporting Time Period:

• What happened: Reporting Time Period: IRDAI approved new regulations providing parallel reporting for aperiod of 2 years, or such period as may be specified by authority, covering financial statements prepared in accordance with Ind AS alongside financial information under the existing accounting framework.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. RBI Imposes Rs 31.80 Lakh Penalty on Airtel Payments Bank

• What happened: RBI Imposes Rs 31.80 Lakh Penalty on Airtel Payments Bank.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

15. Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

• What happened: In March 2026, theReserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty ofRs 31.80 lakhonAirtel Payments Bank Limitedfor non-compliance with regulatory directions related toDisclosure in Financial Statementsfor the Financial Year 2024-25 (FY25). RBI Penalty Action: Legal Basis: The penalty was imposed by RBI under Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
• Key details: Inspection: RBI conducted the Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2025) based on the bank’s financial position as of March 31, 2025. Violation: The penalty was imposed after confirming non-compliance with RBI directions based on supervisory findings. Clarification: The action pertains only to regulatory compliance deficiencies and does not affect the validity of customer transactions or agreements.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

16. Former Suriname President

• What happened: Former Suriname President Chandrikapersad Santokhi Passed AwayIn March 2026, former President of SurinameChandrikapersad“Chan”Santokhi, a prominent leader of the Indian diaspora, passed away at the age of 67. About Chandrikapersad Santokhi: Honour: He was honoured with thePravasiBharatiyaSamman, (the Highest Indian award for Overseas Indian or institutions, instituted by the Ministry of External Affairs, MEA), on 9 January 2021 during the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas.Significance: Became the first Surinamese President to take oath in Sanskrit, symbolising strong cultural links with India and highlighting the role of the Indian diaspora.
• Key points: He served as the President of Suriname from 2020 to 2025, a period marked by significant economic reforms and a deepening of ties with India.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)

Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: NSO Released Publication “Energy Statistics India 2026”?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: Approvals of Electronics Manufacturing:?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: PM E-DRIVE Subsidy Extended till July 31, 2026 for Electric Two-Wheelers?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Government Extends PM KUSUM Project Deadline to March 2027?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q5. Which of the following is related to: Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details