Daily Current Affairs Digest | 3rd April 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 3rd April 2026

1. Jan Vishwas Bill 2026: Shift to Trust-Based Governance

The Parliament has passed the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026, marking a significant reform in India’s legal and regulatory framework.

Key Highlights

  • Decriminalization of 717 minor offences across 79 Central Acts
  • Replacement of imprisonment with civil monetary penalties
  • Introduction of adjudicating officers for penalty imposition
  • Provision for compounding of offences outside courts
  • Automatic 10% revision of penalties every three years

Significance

The reform aims to reduce judicial pendency, improve the Ease of Doing Business, and encourage formalization of MSMEs by removing fear associated with minor compliance lapses.

Critical Perspective

The shift of adjudication powers to executive authorities raises concerns regarding the principle of separation of powers.

2. E20 Mandate and 95 RON: India’s Cleaner Mobility Strategy

The government has mandated supply of E20 fuel (20% ethanol blended petrol) with a minimum 95 RON (Research Octane Number).

Key Highlights

  • Ethanol produced from sugarcane, maize, and rice
  • Reduction in crude oil import dependency (over 85%)
  • Enhanced engine efficiency and reduced knocking due to higher octane rating

Environmental and Economic Impact

The policy supports energy security and rural income, while reducing vehicular emissions. However, concerns remain regarding the water-intensive nature of ethanol production and the food versus fuel debate.

Value Addition

The long-term success of the policy depends on Flex-Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and transition towards Second Generation (2G) biofuels.

3. CMS COP15: Protection of Migratory Species

At COP15 of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS), 40 species including the Snowy Owl, Cheetah, and Hammerhead Shark were granted protection.

Key Highlights

  • Appendix I: Species facing extinction requiring strict protection
  • Appendix II: Species requiring international cooperation

Significance

Migratory species conservation requires cross-border coordination, making CMS a critical global environmental treaty. Over 20% of listed species face extinction threats.

India’s Role

India is a crucial Range State under the Central Asian Flyway, highlighting the importance of wetland conservation.

4. Manufacturing PMI Decline: Impact of West Asia Crisis

India’s Manufacturing PMI declined to 53.9, indicating the slowest growth in nearly four years.

Understanding PMI

  • PMI above 50 indicates expansion
  • PMI below 50 indicates contraction

Causes of Decline

  • Disruption in Red Sea trade routes due to geopolitical tensions
  • Increased shipping costs as vessels reroute via the Cape of Good Hope
  • Supply chain disruptions affecting manufacturing inputs

Economic Implications

The slowdown reflects India’s dependence on Global Value Chains (GVCs) and raises concerns of cost-push inflation, complicating monetary policy.

5. Raja Ravi Varma: Cultural Legacy and Record Auction

The painting “Yashoda and Krishna” by Raja Ravi Varma was sold for ₹167.2 crore, setting a new record.

Key Contributions

  • Integration of Western realism with Indian mythological themes
  • Introduction of oil painting techniques in India
  • Use of lithographic printing (oleographs) to make art accessible

Significance

Raja Ravi Varma played a pivotal role in the democratization of art and contributed to shaping a pan-Indian cultural identity.