NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. 9th PharmaMed 2026 to be Held in New Delhi with Focus
on Healthcare Equity: The Department of Pharmaceuticals under the
Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, in collaboration with the PHD
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will organise the 9th PharmaMed 2026 in
New Delhi.The event will be held under the theme “Healthcare Equity: Reaching
Every Citizen of Viksit Bharat”, focusing on inclusive and accessible healthcare
for all citizens.
2. CBIC Enables Payment Aggregator on ICEGATE: The Central Board of Indirect
Taxes and Customs has enabled payment aggregator as an authorised mode on
the ICEGATE platform to simplify customs duty payments.Importers can now
pay duties using credit/debit cards, UPI, and internet banking, with the number
of supported banks increasing from 23 to 41, alongside existing modes like
NEFT/RTGS via Reserve Bank of India.Currently, banks like ICICI Bank, Indian
Overseas Bank, State Bank of India, and HDFC Bank are onboarded, with more
banks to be added in future for seamless and instant transactions.
3. RBI
Payments Vision 2028 Targets Safer Digital Ecosystem : The Reserve Bank of
India (RBI) has unveiled its
‘Payments Vision 2028’, outlining a comprehensive roadmap to transform India’s
digital payments ecosystem over the next three years. The vision focuses on
enhancing user control, strengthening fraud protection, improving cross-border
payment systems, and promoting ease of doing business through 15 targeted
initiatives. A key proposal is the extension of the switch-on and switch-off
facility—currently available for card transactions—to all digital payment modes.
This feature will allow users to control transaction permissions across
platforms, including domestic and international payments. The move aims to
boost consumer confidence and reduce fraud risks by empowering users with
greater control over their financial transactions.
4. Jan
Vishwas Bill 2026 Boosts Ease of Doing Business: The Government has
introduced the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2026 in the Lok
Sabha to strengthen trust-based governance and simplify India’s regulatory
framework. The Bill aims to reduce criminal liability for minor offences and
promote ease of doing business and living. It follows approval by the Union
Cabinet and builds upon earlier decriminalisation reforms initiated in 2023. A
major feature of the Bill is the transition from criminal penalties to civil
and administrative measures. Minor, technical, or procedural violations will no
longer attract imprisonment. Instead, penalties will include monetary fines or
warnings. The Bill introduces graded enforcement, allowing warnings for
first-time violations and proportional penalties based on the nature of the
offence.
5. Meghalaya
Joins Jal Jeevan Mission 2.0 Reform Framework: Meghalaya has become the twelfth State to
sign a reform-linked Memorandum of Understanding with the Union Government
under Jal
Jeevan Mission (JJM) 2.0. The
agreement marks a shift towards outcome-based and service-driven rural water
supply. Approved by the Union Cabinet in March 2026, JJM 2.0 focuses on
sustainability, decentralisation, and long-term water security across rural
India. The MoU emphasises moving beyond infrastructure creation to ensuring
reliable water services at the grassroots level. It promotes decentralisation
by empowering Gram Panchayats and Village Water and Sanitation Committees to
manage in-village water systems. District Water Sanitation Missions will be set
up to prepare local action plans and oversee implementation in coordination
with district administrations.
6. Government
Cuts Fuel Excise Duty Amid Rising Global Oil Prices: The Government of India
has reduced excise duty on petrol and diesel to shield consumers and oil
marketing companies from surging global crude prices. The decision comes as
international oil prices have sharply increased due to ongoing geopolitical
tensions in West Asia, significantly impacting domestic fuel costs. The move is
aimed at stabilising retail prices and easing the financial burden on both
consumers and public sector oil companies. The Centre has cut the special
additional excise duty on both petrol and diesel by ₹10 per litre. This step
follows mounting losses faced by oil marketing companies such as Indian Oil
Corporation, Hindustan Petroleum, and Bharat Petroleum, which were reportedly
losing around ₹24 per litre on petrol and ₹30 per litre on diesel. The duty
reduction is expected to provide immediate relief by lowering retail fuel
prices and reducing company losses.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. World Bank Flags Bangladesh in ‘Red Category’ Amid
Prolonged Food Inflation Crisis: The World Bank has
placed Bangladesh in the ‘red category’ due to consistently high food
inflation over the past 10 months, signalling serious food security
concerns.The red category indicates a high risk of food insecurity, meaning people
may struggle to afford or access sufficient food.Along with Bangladesh, 13
other countries, including Ethiopia, Nigeria, Ukraine, and Russia, have
remained in this category for the same duration.Other countries on the World
Bank list of high food inflation have moved between red, purple, yellow, and
green categories over the past year.
2. S&P Global Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to
7.1% for FY27: S&P
Global Ratings has raised India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2026–27
by 40 basis points to 7.1%, indicating a positive economic outlook.It has
also revised the growth estimate for FY 2025–26 upward by 0.4 percentage points
to 7.6%, reflecting stronger-than-expected economic performance.
3. 25 March – International Day of Solidarity with
Detained and Missing Staff Members: The International Day of Solidarity with Detained
and Missing Staff Members is observed annually on 25 March to
honour staff members who have been detained, kidnapped, or gone missing while
serving globally.The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 and also
marks the anniversary of the abduction of journalist Alec Collett.
4. March 26 – Purple Day of Epilepsy: Purple Day of Epilepsy is
observed every year on 26 March to raise awareness about Epilepsy and
support people living with the condition.Theme 2026 – #EpilepsyPledge The
day was founded in 2008 by Cassidy Megan, a young girl from Canada, to
encourage open discussion and reduce stigma.
5. Japan
Launches World’s First Freight-Only Bullet Train: Japan has introduced the world’s first
dedicated freight-only Shinkansen, transforming its iconic bullet train into a
high-speed cargo carrier. Operated by East Japan Railway Company, the initiative
reflects a shift in logistics strategy, combining speed, efficiency, and
sustainability to meet growing demands in supply chains. The project repurposes
the E3 series Shinkansen, originally designed for passenger travel. The train’s
interiors have been stripped of seats and redesigned with reinforced flooring
and open layouts to maximise cargo capacity. It can now carry up to 1,000 boxes
or approximately 17.4 tonnes of goods per trip while maintaining speeds of up
to 275 kmph. The system is designed for high-value and time-sensitive goods
such as fresh seafood, agricultural produce, dairy products, and precision
equipment. It is also suitable for delicate items like semiconductors, medical
supplies, and laboratory samples due to minimal vibration during transit. This
model bridges the gap between slower rail freight and costly air cargo.
6. AI
Tracks Painted Stork Nest Fidelity in Delhi Zoo: Researchers in India have
demonstrated the use of artificial
intelligence to monitor nest site
fidelity in painted storks at the National Zoological Park, Delhi. The study focused on a single male
stork, informally named “Ringo”, tracked over four breeding seasons from 2022
to 2025. The work highlights how non-invasive digital tools can advance
behavioural ecology studies without disturbing wildlife. Painted storks
(Mycteria leucocephala) are colonial waterbirds known for nesting in large
groups. Nest site fidelity refers to the tendency of birds to return to the
same nesting site across breeding seasons. Understanding this behaviour is
important for conservation planning, especially in urban or semi-captive
habitats like zoological parks.
7. Noida
International Airport Phase I Inaugurated in Jewar: Prime Minister Narendra
Modi inaugurated Phase I of the Noida International Airport (NIA) at Jewar
in Uttar
Pradesh on March 28, marking a
major milestone in India’s aviation infrastructure expansion. The airport,
located along the Yamuna Expressway in Gautam Buddha Nagar, is set to become
the second international airport serving the Delhi-NCR region after Indira
Gandhi International Airport. The project is expected to significantly ease
congestion, improve connectivity, and strengthen India’s position as a global
aviation hub. The Noida International Airport has been strategically developed
to complement existing aviation infrastructure in the National Capital Region.
Once fully operational, it will function alongside IGI Airport as part of an
integrated system. This dual-airport model is aimed at reducing passenger load,
improving efficiency, and expanding both domestic and international
connectivity. Its location along a major expressway enhances accessibility for
passengers from Delhi, Noida, Greater Noida, and nearby regions.
8. Russia
Bans Gasoline Exports to Stabilise Domestic Fuel Prices: Russia Bans Gasoline Exports to Stabilise
Domestic Fuel Prices
The Government of Russia has announced a ban on gasoline
exports starting April 1, 2026, in a move aimed at securing domestic fuel
availability and controlling rising prices. The decision comes amid global oil
market volatility triggered by ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. The
measure reflects Moscow’s priority to safeguard internal energy stability while
navigating fluctuations in international demand and supply. The decision was
taken following a high-level review chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Alexander
Novak. Russian authorities highlighted that instability in global oil markets,
driven by conflict in West Asia, has caused significant price fluctuations.
Despite strong international demand for Russian energy exports, the government
has opted to restrict gasoline exports to ensure sufficient domestic
availability and prevent inflationary
pressure on fuel prices.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. China
Deploys J-6 Drone Fleet Near Taiwan Strait: China has reportedly deployed over 200
modified J-6 fighter jets, converted into unmanned attack drones, near
the taiwan-strait/">Taiwan Strait. The move signals a shift
in Beijing’s military strategy, emphasising large-scale, cost-effective systems
designed to overwhelm enemy defences amid rising global geopolitical tensions.
The J-6 aircraft, originally based on the Soviet-era MiG-19 design, once formed
a core part of China’s air force. Now retired from active
service, these jets have been converted into unmanned platforms, often referred
to as J-6W drones. Equipped with automated flight systems and navigation
capabilities, they are designed to function more like cruise missiles than
conventional drones, targeting enemy assets in large numbers. Satellite imagery
indicates that these drones are stationed across multiple airbases in Fujian
and Guangdong provinces, close to Taiwan. Analysts estimate that over 200 such
platforms have been deployed, with potentially more than 500 converted overall.
Their proximity to the Taiwan Strait enhances China’s ability to launch
rapid, large-scale aerial operations in a conflict scenario.
SPORTS
1. Kal Somani-Led Consortium Acquires Rajasthan Royals
for $1.63 Billion in Landmark IPL Deal: Rajasthan Royals has
been acquired with 100% ownership by a consortium led by Kal
Somani at a valuation of $1.63 billion (₹15,286 crore), signaling a major
boost in IPL franchise value ahead of 2026.The deal was facilitated by Raine
Group, with Somani—earlier a minority investor—now taking full control of the
franchise.The consortium includes key investors like Rob Walton and the Hamp
family (owners of the Detroit Lions), making it one of the largest private
equity investments in Indian sports history.
2. Omaxe to Name ‘Pink Stand’ After Harmanpreet Kaur at
Dwarka Cricket Stadium: Omaxe
Limited will name a stand at its upcoming cricket stadium in
Dwarka after Harmanpreet Kaur, honouring her contribution to Indian
women’s cricket.The stand, located in the North Pavilion Lower Bowl of the
30,000-seater stadium, will feature over 1,500 seats and be India’s first
dedicated “Pink Stand” designed for women and families.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. Neoloboptera
peninsularis Discovered in Deccan Peninsula: Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI)
have identified a new species of cockroach, Neoloboptera peninsularis, in the
Deccan Peninsula. The discovery, made in Pune district of Maharashtra, marks a significant advancement in
entomological research and highlights the biodiversity richness of Peninsular India. This discovery is notable as it
represents the first instance in India where modern DNA technology has been
used to identify a cockroach species. It strengthens the role of molecular
tools in taxonomy and species identification. Additionally, Neoloboptera
peninsularis is only the third recorded species of the genus Neoloboptera in
India, after Neoloboptera indica (1865) and Neoloboptera chakrabortyi (1995),
with no new specimen-based records reported in the intervening period.
2. CALM-Brain
Digital Repository for Neuropsychiatric Research: Researchers at the Rohini
Nilekani Centre for Brain and Mind (CBM), a collaboration between NIMHANS and
NCBS-TIFR, have developed CALM-Brain, a pioneering digital repository focused
on neuropsychiatric disorders. This initiative represents a major step forward
in India’s mental health research ecosystem by integrating diverse datasets for
advanced scientific analysis. CALM-Brain is the first-of-its-kind digital
repository in India that compiles comprehensive data on brain structure and
function across various psychiatric conditions. It was initiated in 2016 under
the Accelerator program for Discovery in Brain Disorders using Stem Cells (ADBS).
The project is jointly funded by the Department
of Biotechnology and the Pratiksha
Trust, reflecting strong institutional support for neuroscience research.
3. Honshu
Island Earthquake and Key Geographical Features: A magnitude 6.2
earthquake recently struck off the east coast of Honshu, Japan’s largest and most significant island.
The event highlights the region’s high seismic vulnerability due to its
location along active tectonic plate boundaries within the Pacific Ring of Fire. Honshu, historically known as
Akitsushima, is the largest of Japan’s four main islands. It lies between
the Pacific
Ocean to the east and the
Sea of Japan to the west, forming a long northeast–southwest arc of
approximately 1,287 kilometres. Covering an area of about 227,898 square
kilometres, Honshu is the seventh-largest island in the world and the most
prominent landmass of Japan.
4. NASA
Plans Satellite Rescue to Prevent Swift Crash: NASA has launched a
₹283.8 crore ($30 million) mission to prevent its ageing Neil Gehrels Swift
Observatory from falling out of orbit and potentially crashing towards Earth. The observatory, operational since 2004,
is gradually losing altitude due to increased atmospheric drag, prompting an
innovative rescue effort to extend its lifespan. The Neil Gehrels Swift
Observatory is a key space telescope under NASA’s Medium Explorer (MIDEX)
programme. Launched in 2004 into low-Earth orbit, it has played a crucial
role in detecting gamma-ray bursts—extremely powerful cosmic explosions.
Equipped with multiple instruments, including a Burst Alert Telescope, it
enables rapid observation of high-energy astronomical events and contributes
significantly to astrophysics research.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. Government Retains 4% Inflation Target Framework for
2026–2031 Period: The Ministry of Finance has decided to
retain India’s inflation targeting framework unchanged for another
five-year period from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2031.The inflation target
remains at 4%, with a tolerance band of 2% to 6%, ensuring price stability while
supporting economic growth.This marks the third consecutive five-year term
(2026–2031) of the same framework, following earlier periods 2016–2021 and
2021–2026.Under Section 45ZA of the RBI Act, the government, in consultation
with the Reserve Bank of India, sets the inflation target every five years; the
framework was first introduced on 5 August 2016.
2. SEBI Partners with Google to Curb Misleading
Finfluencers, Introduces Verified Tick System: The Securities and Exchange Board of
India has partnered with Google to curb the misleading activities of
financial influencers (finfluencers) and protect investors.SEBI
Chairperson Tuhin Kanta Pandey announced that Google will use Artificial
Intelligence (AI) to identify and remove rule-violating financial content
online.A ‘tick mark verification system’ has also been introduced, where a
verified badge will appear next to apps of registered intermediaries to ensure
authenticity and build investor trust.
3. Paisalo Digital Partners with Indian Overseas Bank as
BC: Paisalo Digital
Limited has been appointed as a Business Correspondent (BC) partner
for Indian Overseas Bank, expanding its Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS)
platform, which already includes State Bank of India and Bank of India.The new
partnership adds a third public sector bank to Paisalo’s BC network,
strengthening its reach in delivering last-mile banking services across rural
and semi-urban areas.Through this network, Paisalo provides services such as
account opening, deposits & withdrawals, remittances, and social security
schemes, enhancing financial inclusion at the grassroots level.
4. CCI Approves MUFG’s ₹39,618 Crore Investment in
Shriram Finance: The Competition
Commission of India has approved Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group
Bank’s ₹39,618 crore investment in Shriram Finance Ltd, marking the largest FDI
in India’s NBFC sector.MUFG will acquire a 20% stake in Shriram Finance through
this ₹39,618 crore ($4.4 billion) deal, surpassing the previous record
investment in RBL Bank by around 47%.The deal, expected to close by April 2026,
will help MUFG expand into India’s rural and MSME lending market, while
strengthening Shriram Finance’s capital base and balance sheet.
5. L&T Finance Joins UN Global Compact: L&T Finance Ltd has become a signatory to the United Nations Global Compact, the world’s largest corporate sustainability initiative, marking a major step in its sustainability journey.By joining UNGC, the company commits to integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into its core business strategy and operations. The move aligns L&T Finance with global standards on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, reinforcing its commitment to ethical practices, sustainable development goals, and long-term value creation.
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