Daily current affairs for UPSC, SSC, BPSC, Railway and all competitive exams
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Topic-wise Current Affairs
March 2026 — 13 Categories
PM-KISAN releases its spring installment to over 9 crore eligible farming families. Since its inception in February 2019, PM-KISAN has disbursed over ₹3 lakh crore cumulatively. The DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) mechanism ensures funds reach farmers directly.
Exam Tip: PM-KISAN: ₹6,000/year in 3 installments. Funded entirely by Centre. Small & marginal farmers with less than 2 hectares. Aadhaar-linked DBT. Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) expands coverage under Ayushman Bharat Vay Vandana Yojana for senior citizens (70+). PM-JAY provides cashless hospitalisation up to ₹5 lakh per family per year at empanelled hospitals across India.
Exam Tip: PM-JAY: World's largest health insurance scheme. ₹5 lakh/family/year. 55+ crore beneficiaries. Launched September 23, 2018. AB-PMJAY: Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana reports cumulative road construction connecting over 99% of eligible habitations. PMGSY Phase III focuses on rural road upgradation and consolidation, including strengthening of completed rural roads.
Exam Tip: PMGSY: Launched December 25, 2000 (under PM Vajpayee). Ministry of Rural Development. 3 phases completed. Target: All-weather road to all habitations with 500+ population (250+ in hilly/tribal/desert areas).
International Women's Day (March 8) is observed with government events highlighting India's women-led development agenda. India's progress on female labour force participation, women entrepreneurs, and representation in politics and bureaucracy is showcased.
Exam Tip: International Women's Day: March 8. Theme changes annually (UN). India's women in Parliament: ~15% in Lok Sabha. Women's Reservation Act 2023: 33% reservation in Lok Sabha + State Assemblies (to be implemented after delimitation).
The Budget Session continues with discussion and passage of the Finance Bill (containing tax proposals) and Appropriation Bills. The session provides the most substantive legislative opportunity for the year, covering budgetary demands and other legislation.
Exam Tip: Finance Bill: Must be passed within 75 days of Budget presentation. Appropriation Bill: Authorises withdrawal from Consolidated Fund. Both are Money Bills (only Lok Sabha can vote). Article 110: Definition of Money Bill.
Holi, the festival of colours, is celebrated across India. The festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. Holika Dahan (Chhoti Holi) precedes the main festival day. It is one of the most widely celebrated festivals associated with Lord Krishna.
Exam Tip: Holi: Hindu spring festival. Associated with Lord Krishna and Radha. Holika Dahan: Burning of effigy signifying victory of good over evil (Prahlad-Hiranyakashipu story). Date varies (Phalgun Purnima).
India's Neighbourhood First Policy guides bilateral relations with Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Myanmar, and Afghanistan. India focuses on connectivity, energy, trade, and people-to-people ties while managing complex border and political issues.
Exam Tip: Neighbourhood First Policy: India's foreign policy doctrine prioritising South Asia. SAARC members: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Maldives, Afghanistan. BIMSTEC as alternative to SAARC.
India-Japan partnership deepens through infrastructure projects (bullet train, North-South Industrial Corridor), defence cooperation (Unicorn agreement on reciprocal access), semiconductor supply chain, and the Quad framework.
Exam Tip: India-Japan: Special Strategic and Global Partnership (2014). ODA from Japan: North-South Industrial Corridor, Mumbai-Ahmedabad HSR (Bullet Train). Quad: India, USA, Japan, Australia.
India participates in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), leveraging the platform for Central Asian engagement, security cooperation, and cultural diplomacy, while navigating the India-China and India-Pakistan dynamics within the organisation.
Exam Tip: SCO: Founded June 15, 2001. HQ: Beijing. Members: China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus. India joined 2017 (Astana summit).
The National Statistical Office (NSO) releases Advance Estimates for Q3 (October-December 2025) GDP growth. India targets 6.5%+ real GDP growth for FY2025-26, maintaining its position as the world's fastest-growing major economy.
Exam Tip: GDP estimates: First Advance (Jan), Second Advance (Feb), First Revised (Jan next year), Final (Sep next year). Base year: 2011-12 (next rebasing due). India's GDP: ~$3.7 trillion (world's 5th largest). Target: 3rd largest by 2030.
SEBI continues enforcing market integrity with actions against insider trading, market manipulation, and unregistered investment advisers. SEBI's risk-based supervision framework uses AI and data analytics to detect market anomalies.
Exam Tip: SEBI Act 1992: SEBI given statutory powers. Key powers: Quasi-judicial (adjudicating authority), quasi-legislative (makes regulations), quasi-executive (investigations). SEBI can impose penalty up to ₹25 crore.
India advocates for increased IMF quota (currently ~2.75% of total) at the 16th General Review. Emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs) including India push for quota shares commensurate with their economic size.
Exam Tip: IMF Quota: Determines voting power + borrowing limits + SDR allocation. India's quota: ~2.75%. USA is largest shareholder (~16.5%). IMF requires 85% for constitutional amendments (USA has veto). SDR = Special Drawing Right.
The RBI Monetary Policy Committee meets for its scheduled bi-monthly review. With CPI inflation tracking near target, the MPC assesses whether to adjust the repo rate while considering global financial conditions, rupee stability, and domestic growth momentum.
Exam Tip: RBI MPC cycle: 6 meetings per year (Feb, Apr, Jun, Aug, Oct, Dec). Repo rate changes transmission: EBLR-linked loans reprice within 3 months. MCLR: Marginal Cost of Funds Based Lending Rate.
NABARD releases its Annual Report on agricultural credit flow and rural infrastructure development. NABARD coordinates with state governments, cooperative banks, and RRBs (Regional Rural Banks) to achieve agricultural credit targets.
Exam Tip: NABARD: National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development. Established July 12, 1982 (Shivaraman Committee). HQ: Mumbai. RBI holds 99% stake. Operates RIDF (Rural Infrastructure Development Fund).
Small Finance Banks (SFBs) and Payments Banks review financial year performance. SFBs serve underbanked segments including microfinance borrowers, small businesses, and low-income households with deposits and credit products.
Exam Tip: SFBs: Minimum capital ₹200 crore. Max loan: ₹25 lakh (75% to priority sector). Currently 11 SFBs. Payments Banks: Accept deposits up to ₹2 lakh; can't lend. Paytm, Airtel, IPPB are major payments banks.
The President of India, on advice of the Council of Ministers, appoints and transfers Governors of States. Governors serve as constitutional heads of state governments and play critical roles in government formation, assent to bills, and emergency powers.
Exam Tip: Governors: Article 155 — appointed by President on PM's advice. Serve 5 years (at pleasure of President). Dual role: Head of State + Chancellor of State universities. Centre-State liaison.
India's statutory accountability institutions — National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Central Information Commission (CIC), and Lokpal — operate under their respective legislative frameworks, ensuring constitutional and statutory accountability.
Exam Tip: NHRC: Set up under Protection of Human Rights Act 1993. Chairperson = retired CJI. CIC: Under RTI Act 2005. CIC = Chief Information Commissioner + up to 10 ICs. Lokpal: Under Lokpal Act 2013; jurisdiction over PM, Ministers, MPs, Group A officers.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports announces the annual Arjuna Awards (outstanding performance by sportspersons) and Dronacharya Awards (coaches) as part of the National Sports Awards. The awards are presented by the President of India on National Sports Day (August 29).
Exam Tip: National Sports Awards: Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna (now Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna) = highest. Arjuna Award, Dronacharya (coaches), Dhyan Chand Award (lifetime). National Sports Day: August 29 (Major Dhyan Chand birthday).
India's National Quantum Mission achieves milestones in quantum computing hardware, with Indian IITs and research institutes making advances in qubit coherence times, quantum error correction, and quantum algorithms relevant to drug discovery and optimization.
Exam Tip: NQM: 4 Technology Hubs (T-Hubs) for quantum computing, quantum communication, quantum sensing, quantum materials. India's quantum startups supported under Startup India and NQM. IBM, Google target 1000+ qubit systems.
India's National Supercomputing Mission (NSM) deploys PARAM supercomputers at IITs, IISERs, and national laboratories. The Petaflops-scale systems support climate modelling, drug discovery, genomics, and computational fluid dynamics research.
Exam Tip: NSM (National Supercomputing Mission): Launched 2015. Target: 70+ supercomputing facilities. PARAM series: PARAM Siddhi-AI (5th most energy-efficient globally, 2020). C-DAC + IISc implement NSM.
India's BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy drives bioeconomy growth across bio-pharmaceuticals, bio-agriculture, bio-energy, bio-materials, and bio-services sectors. India's bioeconomy targets $300 billion by 2030.
Exam Tip: BioE3 Policy: Notified 2024. India's bioeconomy: $165 billion (2024), targeting $300 billion by 2030. DBT (Department of Biotechnology) implements. India is 3rd largest pharma producer by volume globally.
BrahMos supersonic cruise missile continues export success and development of new variants including an extended-range (500km) version and a hypersonic BrahMos-II. After Philippines, more Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern nations show interest in purchasing the system.
Exam Tip: BrahMos: India-Russia JV (BrahMos = Brahmaputra + Moskva rivers). Speed: Mach 2.8-3. Range: 290-800km. Available in land, sea, submarine, air-launched versions. Philippines: First BrahMos export customer (2022).
The second and subsequent cohorts of Agniveers complete their training at various Army, Navy, and Air Force training establishments. The Agnipath scheme recruits soldiers for 4 years, with 25% retained permanently based on performance.
Exam Tip: Agnipath Scheme: Launched June 2022. Agniveers: 4-year tenure. 25% retention as permanent soldiers. Age: 17.5-23 years. Seva Nidhi: ₹11.71 lakh lump sum + government contribution at end of 4 years.
World Water Day (March 22) is observed with focus on India's water security challenges including groundwater depletion, river pollution, and equitable water distribution. The Jal Shakti Ministry oversees integrated water resource management.
Exam Tip: World Water Day: March 22 (since 1993, UN). India ranks 13th in water stress globally. Groundwater depletion: Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan most stressed. Jal Shakti Ministry: Merged MoWR and Drinking Water Ministry.
India's LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment) movement, championed by PM Modi at COP26 (2021), promotes environmentally conscious living. The mission encourages mindful consumption, reducing waste, and adopting sustainable practices at individual level.
Exam Tip: LIFE Mission: Launched Oct 2021 (COP26, Glasgow) by PM Modi. Three P's: Pro-Planet People. Focus: Individual behaviour change for environmental sustainability. India advocated LIFE at G20, UNEA.
Project Tiger, India's flagship wildlife conservation program, continues its success story. India is home to over 70% of world's wild tigers. India has 55+ tiger reserves covering 75,000+ sq km under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
Exam Tip: Project Tiger: Launched April 1, 1973 (PM Indira Gandhi). Tiger count 2022: 3,167 (highest ever). NTCA (National Tiger Conservation Authority): Statutory body under WPA 1972. India has 55+ tiger reserves.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) season typically commences in late March/early April. IPL is the world's most valuable cricket league. The auction, team compositions, and scheduling follow BCCI guidelines. IPL contributes significantly to India's sports economy.
Exam Tip: IPL: Launched 2008 under Lalit Modi. BCCI governs. 10 teams (since 2022). Title sponsors have included DLF, Pepsi, Vivo, Dream11, Tata. Most expensive player: Sam Curran (2023) at ₹18.5 crore. Most titles: Mumbai Indians (5).
Indian athletes compete in Olympic qualification events across various sports including athletics, shooting, wrestling, boxing, and badminton ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. SAI (Sports Authority of India) supports top prospects.
Exam Tip: LA 2028 Olympics: Los Angeles (10th time USA hosts; 3rd time LA hosts). India's best Olympic performance: Paris 2024 (6 medals). 2028 target: 10+ medals. India's all-time Olympic medals: 35 (as of 2024).
NITI Aayog releases its annual report reviewing progress on India's development goals, state rankings on various indices (SDG Index, Innovation Index, District Development Index), and strategic recommendations for policy course corrections.
Exam Tip: NITI Aayog: National Institution for Transforming India. Replaced Planning Commission (Jan 1, 2015). CEO: Full-time professional. PM = Chairperson. Vice Chairman (like Amitabh Kant formerly). Advisory rather than allocative role.
WIPO publishes the Global Innovation Index (GII). India has been consistently improving, ranking in the top 40 globally. India leads innovation in a cluster of lower-middle-income economies and is a top-ranked country in Central & Southern Asia.
Exam Tip: GII: Published jointly by WIPO, INSEAD, Cornell. India's GII 2024 rank: 39th (significantly improved from 81st in 2015). India is 1st in LMICs and 1st in Central & South Asia. DPIIT coordinates India's GII response.
India participates in the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) sessions, advocating for equitable and non-selective approaches to human rights. India highlights its positive human rights record while defending its policies from politicised criticism.
Exam Tip: UNHRC: 47-member council. HQ: Geneva. Replaced UN Commission on Human Rights (2006). India's engagements: Universal Periodic Review (UPR), Special Rapporteurs, treaty body reviews.
India's CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) serves as the National Central Bureau (NCB) for INTERPOL, facilitating international police cooperation, extradition requests, and sharing intelligence on transnational crime, terrorism, and fugitives.
Exam Tip: INTERPOL: International Criminal Police Organization. Founded 1923. HQ: Lyon, France. 195 member countries. India's NCB: CBI. Key notices: Red Notice (arrest/extradition), Blue (gather info), Yellow (missing persons), Black (unidentified bodies).