News of The Day – 4th April 2026

The Hindu, Indian Express, Live Mint, Business Standard, Economic Times, PIB and AIR, etc

(with Syllabus Relevance)

(GS-1: History)

• Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630–1680), founder of the Maratha Empire.
• Known for guerrilla warfare, naval strength, and administrative reforms.
• Promoted Swarajya (self-rule) and resistance against Mughal expansion.
• Established efficient revenue system and forts network.
• Legacy significant for Indian history and regional identity.

(GS-1: Geography)

• Indonesia lies on the Pacific Ring of Fire, prone to earthquakes and volcanoes.
• Caused by tectonic plate movements (Indo-Australian & Eurasian plates).
• Earthquakes can trigger tsunamis in coastal regions.
• Highlights importance of early warning systems and disaster preparedness.
• Relevant for India’s own seismic zones and NDMA guidelines.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• India and Azerbaijan aim to strengthen bilateral relations.
• Focus areas: energy cooperation, trade, connectivity (INSTC).
• Strategic importance due to Azerbaijan’s location in Eurasia.
• Balancing relations amid geopolitical dynamics (Turkey, Pakistan links).
• Enhances India’s outreach in Central Asia and the Caucasus region.

(GS-2: International Relations)

• Collaboration between India and South Korea in the maritime sector.
• Focus on training seafarers, skill development, and workforce mobility.
• Addresses global shortage of skilled maritime professionals.
• Strengthens blue economy cooperation.
• Enhances India’s role as a global maritime manpower hub.

(GS-3: Economy)

• India’s informal sector employs ~80–90% of the workforce but contributes disproportionately less to GDP.
• Issues: low wages, lack of social security, job insecurity, and low productivity.
• Structural problems: skill deficit, lack of formalisation, credit constraints.
• Government initiatives: e-Shram portal, PM-SYM, labour codes.
• Challenge: transition from informal to formal economy while ensuring livelihood security.

(GS-3: Economy)

• The fisheries sector has seen major growth under schemes like PM Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY).
•  Status of fish producers globally. – Seafood exports doubled, boosting foreign exchange earnings.
• Focus areas: aquaculture, deep-sea fishing, infrastructure, cold chain.
• Challenges: sustainability, overfishing, climate change impacts.

(GS-3: Economy)

• India’s defence exports grew by ~62.66%, reaching a record high.
• Key drivers: indigenisation, Make in India, defence corridors.
• Major exports: missiles, helicopters, patrol vessels, electronics.
• Expansion of export destinations to over 100 countries
• Enhances strategic influence and defence diplomacy.

(GS-3: Economy)

• Copper is widely used in construction, electronics, and renewable energy.
• Known as a “barometer of economic health” due to demand sensitivity.
  • Rising prices means economic expansion
  • Falling prices means slowdown.
• Critical for green technologies (EVs, solar, wind).
• Supply concerns due to geopolitical and mining constraints.

(GS-3: Environment)

• About E20
  • Petrol blended with 20% ethanol.
• Part of National Biofuel Policy to reduce crude oil imports
• Benefits: lower emissions, support to sugarcane farmers, energy security.
• Challenges: engine compatibility, infrastructure, food vs fuel debate.
• India aims for cleaner mobility and reduced carbon footprint.

(GS-3: Science and Technology)

• INS Aridhaman is India’s third nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN).
• Part of India’s nuclear triad (land, air, sea-based deterrence).
• Equipped with K-4/K-15 submarine-launched ballistic missiles.
• Enhances second-strike capability and credible nuclear deterrence.
• Developed under the Advanced Technology Vessel (ATV) programme.