Daily GK Update- 28th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Government Strengthens Women Safety Through PoSH and Mission Shakti: The Central Government has prioritised women’s safety through legislative and policy measures, notably the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013. The law aims to safeguard women from workplace harassment and ensure effective mechanisms for prevention and redressal. It applies to all women irrespective of age, employment status, or sector, covering both organised and unorganised workplaces. The Act mandates employers to provide a safe working environment free from sexual harassment. Organisations with more than ten employees must constitute an Internal Committee to address complaints. For smaller establishments or cases involving employers, Local Committees are set up at the district level. The government is responsible for monitoring implementation and maintaining data on reported and resolved cases.

 

2. Government Steps to Improve Damanganga River Pollution Control: The Government has outlined multiple measures to improve the water quality of the Damanganga river, focusing on industrial compliance and pollution control. As per the Gujarat Pollution Control Board (GPCB), technical corrective actions are currently under implementation. However, legal proceedings related to earlier National Green Tribunal directions remain stayed by the Supreme Court. The GPCB is actively enforcing environmental laws against industries violating standards. Measures include closure notices and imposition of Environmental Damage Compensation based on the “polluter pays” principle. These actions aim to ensure accountability and deter non-compliance. The Board also conducts Open House sessions and Environmental Clinics to guide industries towards sustainable practices.

 

3. MLATrack Portal Launched to Monitor Kerala MLA Interventions: A new digital platform, MLATrack.com, has been launched to provide comprehensive insights into the legislative activities of Members of the Kerala Legislative Assembly. Developed by Atyeti Research in collaboration with Sahya Digital Conservation Foundation, the portal covers the period from 2021 to 2026 and aims to enhance transparency and public engagement in legislative processes. The website offers detailed profiles of all 140 MLAs, including biodata, constituency maps, and visual data on attendance, questions, and interventions. It provides date-wise records of legislative activities such as submissions, calling attention motions, and adjournment motions. Users can also access questions raised by MLAs along with hyperlinks to official answers, making it a valuable resource for tracking legislative performance.

 

4. 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.

 

5. 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. The Bill proposes amendments to 784 provisions across 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries. Of these, 717 provisions are set to be decriminalised to support business activity, while 67 provisions aim to improve citizen convenience. Overall, more than 1000 offences are proposed to be rationalised by removing outdated and redundant provisions.

 

6. Government Notifies New TV Rating Policy for Transparency: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has notified a new Television Rating Policy aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability, and independence in audience measurement. The policy introduces structural reforms in rating agencies, strengthens audit mechanisms, and expands the scale of data collection to improve reliability. A major reform is the reduction in the net worth requirement for TV rating agencies from ₹20 crore to ₹5 crore, enabling wider participation. To ensure independence, the policy mandates that at least 50% of the Board of Directors must be independent, with no links to broadcasters, advertisers, or advertising agencies. Additionally, rating agencies are barred from undertaking consultancy roles that may lead to conflicts of interest.

 

7. Lyme Disease Vaccine Shows Promising Trial Results: A recent development in global healthcare has brought attention to Lyme disease, as pharmaceutical companies Pfizer and Valneva announced that their experimental vaccine demonstrated over 70% efficacy in late-stage clinical trials. This progress offers hope in combating a disease that is increasingly reported across multiple regions. Lyme disease, also known as Lyme borreliosis, is a bacterial infection caused by “Borrelia burgdorferi”. It affects multiple systems in the body, including the skin, joints, heart, and nervous system. The disease was first identified in 1976 in Lyme, Connecticut, United States, from which it derives its name. It is most commonly found in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. 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.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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.

 

4. 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.

 

5. India Supports Bangladesh on 1971 Genocide Justice: India has reaffirmed its support for Bangladesh’s demand for justice over the atrocities committed during the 1971 Liberation War. The Ministry of External Affairs stated that the large-scale violence carried out during the period remains a grave historical injustice, while noting that Pakistan continues to deny these events. The issue has regained attention amid renewed calls for recognition of the genocide. Operation Searchlight was a military crackdown launched on March 25, 1971, in then East Pakistan to suppress the Bengali nationalist movement. The operation resulted in widespread violence, including targeted killings of civilians, intellectuals, and students. It also led to large-scale displacement, forcing millions of people to seek refuge in neighbouring India, thereby intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Defence Ministry Signs Rs 858 Crore Military Contracts: The Ministry of Defence has signed two significant contracts worth Rs 858 crore to strengthen India’s military capabilities. The agreements include procurement of the Tunguska Air Defence Missile System for the Indian Army and depot-level inspection of P-8I maritime aircraft for the Indian Navy. The contracts were formalised on March 27, 2026, in New Delhi, reflecting India’s focus on modernisation and self-reliance in defence. A contract worth Rs 445 crore has been signed with Russia’s JSC Rosoboronexport for the supply of Tunguska Air Defence Missile Systems. These systems are designed to counter aerial threats such as aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles. The induction of these advanced systems will enhance India’s multilayered air defence network. The deal also reinforces the longstanding strategic defence partnership between India and Russia.

 

2. 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.

 

3. Shaurya Squadrons Enhance Indian Army Drone Warfare: The Indian Army has recently begun inducting Shaurya Squadrons, specialised drone sub-units embedded within armoured regiments. This initiative marks a significant step towards modernising battlefield capabilities by integrating advanced drone technology directly at the unit level, enabling faster and more precise combat operations. The squadrons deploy a diverse range of unmanned systems, including surveillance drones, attack drones, swarm drones, first-person view (FPV) drones, and loitering munitions. FPV drones are particularly effective in targeting enemy armour and logistics infrastructure. This combination of technologies allows commanders to conduct reconnaissance and execute strikes without relying on higher command approvals.

 

SPORTS

 

1. Gurjant Singh Bids Farewell to International Hockey: A Decade of Glory, Olympic Brilliance & Legacy: Indian men’s hockey team forward Gurjant Singh has officially announced his retirement from international hockey at the Hockey India Awards ceremony in New Delhi. The 31 year old striker ends the career as remarkable journey spanning with nearly a decade. Throughput his career he earned 130 international caps and scored 33 goals. He is Known for his speed, sharp finishing and consistency. Gurjant Singh first became known during the 2016 Junior Hockey World Cup in Lucknow where the India have won the trophy. He scored an important goal in the final gain attention as a rising star.He made his senior team debut in Indian Hockey Team in 2017 and quickly became a key player in India’s attack. Over the years Gurjant has been a reliable forward and he often performing well in important matches. As he Coming from rural Punjab to play for India on the world stage and his journey has inspired many young athletes overall.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Metformin Found to Influence Brain in Diabetes Control: A new scientific study has revealed that metformin, one of the most widely used drugs for type 2 diabetes, acts directly on the brain to regulate blood sugar levels. The findings, published in “Science Advances” by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine, offer a significant shift in understanding how the drug works after more than six decades of clinical use. Traditionally, metformin was believed to lower blood sugar primarily by acting on the liver and gut. However, the latest research shows that it also targets the ventromedial hypothalamus, a critical brain region responsible for regulating hunger, energy balance, and glucose levels. This discovery introduces a previously unknown neurological pathway involved in diabetes management.

 

2. 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.

 

3. 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. 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.

 

2. Second Wife Not Eligible for Pension: Delhi High Court: The Delhi High Court has ruled that a second wife is not entitled to family pension if the marriage was void at its inception, even if the first legally wedded wife dies later. The judgment reinforces the principle that pensionary benefits are strictly governed by legal marital status under applicable service rules, particularly the Pension Regulations for the Army, 1961. A Division Bench clarified that only a legally wedded spouse is eligible for family pension. It held that a marriage contracted during the subsistence of a first marriage is void under law and does not gain validity after the death of the first wife. The Court emphasised that pension rights remain confined to the lawful widow and do not transfer to another claimant.