Current Affairs 1st April 2026 : Daily GK Update in English
1. What astronomical discovery was announced by astronomers in March 2026?
A) New planet in solar system
B) Discovery related to 1,900 light-years away (specific object)
C) Black hole merger
D) Exoplanet with life signs
Answer: B) Discovery related to 1,900 light-years away (specific object)
Explanation: Astronomers announced a significant discovery involving an object approximately 1,900 light-years away alongside the lunar eclipse.
2. On what date in March 2026 did Prime Minister Narendra Modi become India’s longest-serving head of government?
A) 15 March
B) 20 March
C) 22 March
D) 25 March
Answer: C) 22 March
Explanation: PM Modi surpassed previous records to become the longest-serving head of government, with praise from BJP leaders for his governance.
3. What major infrastructure project was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on 28 March 2026?
A) Mumbai Trans Harbour Link
B) Noida International Airport
C) Atal Tunnel
D) Chenab Bridge
Answer: B) Noida International Airport
Explanation: The Noida International Airport was inaugurated by PM Modi on 28 March 2026.
4. What was the status of India-US trade relations highlighted in early 2026 leading into March developments?
A) Increased tariffs
B) Breakthrough deal reducing US tariffs on Indian goods to 18%
C) Complete trade halt
D) New sanctions
Answer: B) Breakthrough deal reducing US tariffs on Indian goods to 18%
Explanation: The deal paved the way for deeper economic cooperation.
5. What was the fiscal deficit target set for FY 2026-27 in the Union Budget 2026-27 presented by FM Nirmala Sitharaman?
A) 4.0% of GDP
B) 4.3% of GDP
C) 4.5% of GDP
D) 5.0% of GDP
Answer: B) 4.3% of GDP
Explanation: The Budget 2026-27 targeted a fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP, continuing the path of fiscal consolidation from 4.4% in the previous year.
6. What was the total expenditure estimated in the Union Budget 2026-27?
A) โน49.6 lakh crore
B) โน53.5 lakh crore
C) โน55 lakh crore
D) โน60 lakh crore
Answer: B) โน53.5 lakh crore
Explanation: The Budget estimated total expenditure at โน53.5 lakh crore for FY 2026-27, with a focus on capital expenditure and manufacturing.
7. What defence-related development was noted in the context of India’s preparedness amid global tensions in March 2026?
A) Reduction in capex
B) Surge in defence budget and modernisation push
C) Complete self-reliance achieved
D) Withdrawal from international exercises
Answer: B) Surge in defence budget and modernisation push
Explanation: Higher allocations supported capability ramp-up and self-reliance.
8. What significant diplomatic agreement was announced between India and Canada in early March 2026?
A) Defence pact
B) Strengthened economic partnership
C) Free Trade Agreement
D) Climate alliance
Answer: B) Strengthened economic partnership
Explanation: PM Modi and Canadian PM Mark Carney announced a deal to boost economic ties after strained relations.
9. Which airport or port received a critical LPG shipment (Pyxis Pioneer) in March 2026 amid West Asia tensions?
A) Mundra Port
B) New Mangalore Port
C) Paradip Port
D) Kandla Port
Answer: B) New Mangalore Port
Explanation: The LPG shipment arrived at New Mangalore Port to support India’s energy reserves during supply disruptions.
10. What major international sporting hosting rights did India receive in March 2026?
A) 2028 Olympics
B) 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships
C) 2030 Asian Games
D) 2027 Cricket World Cup
Answer: B) 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships
Explanation: India was awarded hosting rights for the 2028 World Athletics Indoor Championships, with Bhubaneswar as the host city.
11. Which country’s Foreign Minister met counterparts from Egypt and Turkiye in March 2026 to discuss West Asia tensions?
A) Saudi Arabia
B) Pakistan
C) Jordan
D) Qatar
Answer: B) Pakistan
Explanation: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held talks with Egypt and Turkiye ahead of a quadrilateral summit on West Asia peace efforts.
12. What was a key focus area in the Union Budget 2026-27 regarding manufacturing?
A) Textiles only
B) Semiconductors, biopharma, and renewables
C) Heavy industries only
D) Automobile sector exclusively
Answer: B) Semiconductors, biopharma, and renewables
Explanation: The Budget prioritised manufacturing in frontier sectors like semiconductors, biopharma, and renewables amid global tensions.
13. In March 2026, PM Modi chaired a high-level meeting to review supplies of which sectors amid West Asia developments?
A) Defence and IT
B) Petroleum, crude, gas, power, and fertiliser
C) Agriculture and MSMEs
D) Education and health
Answer: B) Petroleum, crude, gas, power, and fertiliser
Explanation: The meeting focused on ensuring uninterrupted supply and stable logistics for these critical sectors.
14. What lunar event occurred in March 2026 visible in parts of eastern Asia, Oceania, Pacific, and the Americas?
A) Solar eclipse
B) Total lunar eclipse
C) Meteor shower peak
D) Supermoon
Answer: B) Total lunar eclipse
Explanation: A total lunar eclipse took place in March 2026, visible in the specified regions.
15. Which Indian state’s Chief Minister Nitish Kumar announced his resignation in March 2026 to contest Rajya Sabha elections?
A) Uttar Pradesh
B) Bihar
C) Jharkhand
D) Madhya Pradesh
Answer: B) Bihar
Explanation: Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar CM to run in the 2026 Rajya Sabha elections.
16. What US policy regarding Russian oil purchases by India was extended until early April 2026?
A) Complete ban
B) Permission to buy until 4 April
C) Tariff imposition
D) Export restrictions
Answer: B) Permission to buy until 4 April
Explanation: The United States allowed India to continue buying Russian oil until 4 April 2026.
17. Which global summit in New Delhi (23-24 March 2026) featured PM Modi’s keynote and focused on “India and the World”?
A) G20 Summit
B) What India Thinks Today Summit 2026
C) BRICS Summit
D) SCO Summit
Answer: B) What India Thinks Today Summit 2026
Explanation: The fourth edition of the What India Thinks Today Summit discussed economic priorities, geopolitics, and India’s global role.
18. What warning did Iran issue in March 2026 regarding attacks on its power plants?
A) Economic sanctions
B) Irreversible damage to regional infrastructure
C) Nuclear escalation
D) Oil price hike
Answer: B) Irreversible damage to regional infrastructure
Explanation: Iran warned that attacking its power plants could cause irreversible damage to regional infrastructure.
19. What was the projected GDP growth for India in FY26 as per the Economic Survey 2026?
A) 6.5%
B) 7.4%
C) 8.0%
D) 6.8%
Answer: B) 7.4%
Explanation: The Economic Survey projected 7.4% real GDP growth for FY26, supported by domestic demand and investment.
20. Which bridge/axis was restored and inaugurated by Raksha Rajya Mantri in North Sikkim in early March 2026?
A) Zojila Tunnel
B) Chungthang–Lachen Axis and Taram Chu Bridge
C) Dhola-Sadiya Bridge
D) Bogibeel Bridge
Answer: B) Chungthang–Lachen Axis and Taram Chu Bridge
Explanation: The restored infrastructure was inaugurated to improve connectivity in North Sikkim.
21. What theme or focus did the India AI Impact Summit 2026 emphasise?
A) Entertainment AI
B) Responsible Intelligence and demonstrable impact
C) Gaming technology
D) Social media regulation
Answer: B) Responsible Intelligence and demonstrable impact
Explanation: The summit under the IndiaAI Mission focused on transitioning from dialogue to impact in responsible AI.
22. In the context of West Asia tensions, what did US President Donald Trump comment about Iranians in March 2026?
A) “Great fighters”
B) “Lousy fighters but great negotiators”
C) “Strong allies”
D) “Economic partners”
Answer: B) “Lousy fighters but great negotiators”
Explanation: Trump made this remark during a press interaction amid the evolving situation.
23. What was a key highlight of the Union Budget 2026-27 regarding public capital expenditure?
A) Reduction
B) Increase to โน12.2 lakh crore
C) Maintained at previous level
D) Shifted to revenue expenditure
Answer: B) Increase to โน12.2 lakh crore
Explanation: Public capex was raised to support infrastructure and growth.
24. Which international organisation confirmed no radiation increase after strikes on Iran’s Natanz facility in March 2026?
A) WHO
B) IAEA
C) UNESCO
D) WTO
Answer: B) IAEA
Explanation: The International Atomic Energy Agency verified no radiation leak despite damage to entrances.
25. What did PM Modi urge regarding rumours related to the West Asia crisis in his March 2026 Mann ki Baat?
A) Spread them widely
B) Be careful and avoid believing unverified rumours
C) Ignore completely
D) Report to authorities only
Answer: B) Be careful and avoid believing unverified rumours
Explanation: He advised caution amid challenging times created by the crisis.