Daily Current Affairs for CAT, XAT & MBA GDPI – April 2, 2026
Indian Economy & Policy
India exempts some chemicals from import duty
India has waived import duties on crucial chemicals like ammonium nitrate, methanol, and PVC for three months, starting April 2nd. This move aims to ease supply chains and potentially lower costs for various industries. The government has also exempted ammonium nitrate from the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess during this period, offering further relief.
India's economy puts up brave front as GST, auto sales and UPI payments surge despite Gulf war
India's economy shows remarkable resilience, with strong March figures in GST collections, vehicle sales, and digital payments, defying disruptions from the Gulf war. Despite a robust fiscal year-end, economists caution that rising costs and potential supply issues could soon impact the economy more visibly.
Indian Politics & Governance
T.N. Assembly election: PMK poll manifesto calls for T.N. govt. to carry out caste census
He also charges the DMK government of accruing enormous debts without any capital expenditure
Why is India pushing piped gas now? | Explained
Can PNG replace LPG for cooking? Why has LPG been preferred so far? How is LNG transported and used? What is holding back PNG expansion? Can domestic production meet demand? Will PNG reduce LPG import dependence?
Geopolitics (India Focus)
NASA Artemis II Launch highlights: Artemis II astronauts reach orbit on historic mission to moon and back
Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman led the charge into space with “Let's go to the moon!” accompanied by pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada's Jeremy Hansen

Global oil prices jump over 4% after Trump’s ‘grab Hormuz’ speech leaves markets guessing
Indian Stock Market & IPOs
From assembly to ambition: How India is building its electronics backbone
India is shifting from electronics assembly to full-scale manufacturing as the ECMS scheme boosts domestic component production. With rising investments, localisation targets, and strategic focus on critical inputs like rare earth magnets, the sector offers a long-term opportunity, though execution and capacity ramp-up over the next few years remain key risks.
Rupee jumps 1.4% as RBI's FX curbs leave traders bracing for unwinding-led dollar glut
The Indian rupee surged in early trading following the Reserve Bank of India's new measures to curb speculation and arbitrage flows. These actions are expected to lead to increased onshore dollar sales as traders unwind positions. Meanwhile, rising energy prices, driven by Middle East conflict concerns and U.S. President Trump's remarks, add to existing economic pressures.
Marketing, Brands & Consumer Trends

Regulator may make pharma inspections public as it steps up scrutiny
India plans to make public the findings of inspections of pharma factories, marking a shift towards greater transparency. Regulator CDSCO will publish details of firms and audit recommendations, as India's $50 billion pharma sector faces tighter scrutiny after recent safety concerns.

Standard Chartered Bank holds the line as global turmoil tests deal flow
A large number of deals with no connection to West Asia are still on track or have been executed, says P.D. Singh, CEO for India and South Asia, Standard Chartered Bank.
Sports (Business & Governance)
Young Tigresses set for stern test against Japan in U20 Asian Cup opener
The match will kick off at 18:30 IST at the Thammasat Stadium in Pathum Thani, and will be streamed live on FanCode, according to the All India Football Federation (AIFF)
India to tour Zimbabwe for three-match T20I series in July
The BCCI, in a statement on Wednesday (April 1, 2026), informed that the Indian men's team will play three games against hosts Zimbabwe on July 23, 25, and 26