3 April 2026

The Union Cabinet cleared amendments to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to streamline electoral roll management and enable Aadhaar-linked voter verification on an optional basis. The amendments reinforce the constitutional mandate under Article 326 for universal adult suffrage while strengthening ECI's administrative powers.

The Reserve Bank of India published its annual study of state government finances, noting that aggregate fiscal deficit of states declined to 2.9% of GSDP in 2025-26 (BE). Revenue expenditure on social services rose 12% YoY, while capex utilisation improved across major states. The report is a key reference for FRBM compliance.

The Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) conducted a long-duration hot test of the semi-cryogenic engine SE2000 for 200 seconds, achieving full thrust of 2000 kN. The engine uses liquid oxygen and refined kerosene (RP-1) and will power the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), replacing the current GSLV Mk III for heavier payloads.

MoEFCC notified the Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2026 expanding the list of regulated activities near Ramsar sites and mandating state-level wetland authorities to prepare management plans within 18 months. India now has 89 Ramsar sites — the highest in Asia. The rules align with the Ramsar Convention obligations.

India and the UAE signed a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation in digital public infrastructure (DPI), including sharing the India Stack architecture — Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker — as replicable models. The agreement was signed during the bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Global Technology Summit in New Delhi.

The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) scheme has achieved installation of 3 lakh solar-powered agricultural pumps, reducing diesel dependence in rural areas. The scheme aims for 35 lakh installations by 2028, with farmers receiving 30% central subsidy and state subsidy of up to 30%.

The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the appointment of Dr Rajesh Kumar as Director General of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the apex body for biomedical and health research in India under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. ICMR was established in 1911.

The Indian Army formally inducted the DRDO-developed Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM) system into its Air Defence Corps. The all-weather, mobile system can engage multiple targets simultaneously at low to medium altitudes and is built around a phased array radar with 360° coverage, replacing legacy Pechora systems.

Geological Survey of India (GSI) confirmed significant lithium-bearing pegmatite deposits in Korba district, Chhattisgarh, following aeromagnetic and ground surveys. The find adds to India's strategic mineral reserves crucial for EV battery manufacturing. India earlier discovered 5.9 million tonne lithium reserves in Reasi, J&K in 2023.

The Supreme Court delivered a significant judgment clarifying the criteria for "creamy layer" exclusion among OBCs, holding that economic criteria alone cannot be determinative and that social backwardness must be assessed periodically. The ruling interprets Articles 15(4) and 16(4) of the Constitution and builds on the Indra Sawhney case (1992).