Daily GK Update- 29th March, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. RSETIs Strengthen Rural Skill Development and Entrepreneurship: The Ministry of Rural Development has highlighted the growing importance of Rural Self Employment Training Institutes (RSETIs) in empowering rural youth. These institutions are playing a crucial role in promoting skill development, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods across India. RSETIs are dedicated institutions aimed at providing skill-based training to unemployed rural youth. They focus on enhancing employability and encouraging self-employment through structured training programmes. These institutes offer free residential training, making them accessible to economically weaker sections.

 

2. Steppe Eagle Finds Stronghold in Western Rajasthan: The western region of Rajasthan has recently been identified as a key wintering stronghold for the Steppe Eagle, a large migratory raptor. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of India’s arid landscapes in supporting globally threatened species during their migratory cycle. The Steppe Eagle belongs to the subfamily Aquilinae, commonly known as “booted eagles.” It is a large, robust bird characterised by dark brown plumage, a thick neck and a relatively small head. Its powerful build and soaring flight make it one of the most striking raptors found across open landscapes. This species inhabits a wide range of environments, including steppe regions, deserts, semi-deserts, grasslands, savannas and agricultural fields. It is distributed across Europe, Asia and parts of Africa. The eagle breeds mainly in Central Asian countries such as Kazakhstan, Russia and Mongolia and migrates southwards during winter, with India serving as a key destination.

 

3. Euthalia Zubeengargi Butterfly Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh: A new butterfly species, Euthalia zubeengargi, has recently been recorded in Arunachal Pradesh, adding to the rich biodiversity of India’s northeastern region. The discovery highlights the ecological significance of the region, which is known for its unique flora and fauna and remains a hotspot for new species identification. Euthalia zubeengargi belongs to the genus “Euthalia”, a group widely distributed across South and Southeast Asia. Members of this genus are typically associated with forest ecosystems and are recognised for their earthy brown wings adorned with pale spots. The species has been observed resting on low vegetation and displaying calm, short-distance flight patterns. Euthalia zubeengargi is part of a diverse group, with over 80 species of the genus recorded in India’s northeastern region. Arunachal Pradesh, in particular, continues to emerge as a key area for biodiversity research due to its varied climatic and ecological conditions.

 

4. Waste Foundry Sand Gains Focus for Road Construction: The Institute of Indian Foundrymen (IIF) and CSIR–Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) have recently entered into an agreement to promote the utilisation of waste foundry sand in road construction. The initiative aims to address environmental challenges associated with industrial waste while supporting sustainable infrastructure development in India. Waste foundry sand is a byproduct generated during the casting of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. It primarily consists of high-quality silica sand, which is repeatedly used in moulding and casting processes before being discarded. Its physical and chemical properties vary depending on the type of casting method and industrial application. Large-scale generation of waste foundry sand poses significant disposal and environmental issues. Improper handling can lead to land degradation and potential contamination. Managing this industrial byproduct has become a priority, especially with increasing industrialisation and limited landfill capacity.

 

5. Ravichandran Purushothaman Heads CII Southern Region 2026-27: Ravichandran Purushothaman, President of Danfoss India, has been elected Chairman of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Southern Region for 2026-27. Krishna Bodanapu, Executive Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Cyient Ltd, will serve as Deputy Chairman. The new leadership assumes charge at a time when southern India continues to play a vital role in India’s industrial and technological growth. The CII Southern Region acts as a crucial interface between industry and government across southern States. The newly elected leadership is expected to strengthen industry partnerships, promote investment and support policy advocacy. Their appointment reflects a balanced representation of manufacturing and technology sectors. With over 30 years of industry experience, Purushothaman has played a key role in expanding Danfoss India’s presence. Under his leadership, the company has grown significantly in workforce, infrastructure and innovation capacity. His focus areas include sustainability, energy efficiency and industrial innovation, aligning with India’s long-term development priorities.

 

6. 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.

 

7. 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. The Central Pollution Control Board has clarified that Zero Liquid Discharge is not mandatory for all industries nationwide. However, in Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu, industries generating effluents must install Effluent Treatment Plants and achieve ZLD through reuse of treated water within their premises, as per regulatory approvals.

 

8. 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.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. NASA IXPE Reveals New Insights Into RCW 86 Supernova: NASA scientists have uncovered fresh details about RCW 86, a supernova remnant believed to be around 2,000 years old, using the Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE). The latest observations provide deeper understanding of the structure and evolution of this cosmic explosion, adding to earlier findings from other space telescopes. The IXPE mission focused on the outer regions of RCW 86, offering new data on its expansion behaviour. Scientists observed that while the supernova initially expanded rapidly, its motion slowed upon reaching the boundary of a surrounding low-density cavity. This interaction created a reflected shock effect, providing key clues about the dynamics of the explosion. The recent study integrates IXPE data with earlier observations from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton telescope. In the composite imaging, different X-ray energies are represented through colours, helping scientists map variations in energy and structure across the remnant.

 

2. Indonesia Bans Social Media Use for Under-16s: Indonesia has become the first country in Southeast Asia to ban social media access for children under the age of 16, marking a major step in global efforts to regulate digital platforms. The policy came into force on 28 March 2026 and is expected to impact nearly 70 million children, reflecting growing concern over online safety and mental health. The regulation prevents minors from creating accounts on major social media platforms classified as high risk. These include popular services such as video-sharing, messaging and gaming platforms. The government plans a phased rollout, with gradual enforcement and account deactivation. Authorities have also warned of penalties, including fines and possible nationwide restrictions, for companies that fail to comply. Indonesia’s decision reflects a broader international shift towards tighter control of social media use among young users. Countries such as Australia have already implemented similar restrictions, while several European nations and Malaysia are considering comparable measures. These developments highlight a growing consensus on the need for stronger safeguards in the digital space.

 

3. IIM Ahmedabad Enters Global Top 25 QS Rankings 2026: India’s higher education system has recorded notable progress in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026, with increased global representation and improved performance. A total of 99 Indian institutions featured this year, contributing 599 entries across 55 subjects. The data reflects a steady upward trend, with a significant share of institutions improving their rankings, signalling enhanced academic quality and global recognition. The QS rankings, published by Quacquarelli Symonds, evaluated over 21,000 academic programmes across 1,900 universities worldwide. India has added 120 new entries this year, making it one of the fastest-growing education systems globally. Notably, 44 per cent of Indian entries have improved, indicating consistent progress across disciplines, although no Indian institution has yet entered the global top 10. The Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad has secured the 21st position globally in Business and Management Studies. This achievement places it among the world’s leading management institutions and reflects its strong academic reputation and employer recognition. The institute has demonstrated consistent performance, reinforcing its position as a premier centre for management education.

 

4. Maldives Opposes UK Plan on Chagos Sovereignty: The Maldives has reiterated its claim over the Chagos Islands, rejecting the United Kingdom’s decision to transfer the archipelago to Mauritius. President Mohamed Muizzu’s government has formally communicated that it does not recognise the proposed arrangement, asserting that Maldivian interests must be considered in any decision regarding sovereignty. The Maldivian government argues that its claim to the Chagos Islands is rooted in historical, geographical and cultural connections that predate modern colonial arrangements. Officials have emphasised that centuries-old ties link the Maldives to the archipelago, strengthening its position in the dispute. The government has stated that any transfer of sovereignty should rightfully consider these longstanding associations. Maldives has conveyed its opposition through formal written submissions in November 2024 and January 2026. Additionally, President Muizzu raised the issue during a direct conversation with the United Kingdom’s leadership, stressing that any agreement excluding Maldivian interests would be unacceptable. The UK, however, maintains that the sovereignty issue is strictly between Britain and Mauritius.

 

5. 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.

 

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.

 

7. 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. Ukraine, Qatar Sign Defence Pact During Doha Visit: Ukraine and Qatar have signed a defence cooperation agreement during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s official visit to Doha, marking a step forward in bilateral ties. The agreement reflects growing engagement between the two nations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and Ukraine’s continued conflict with Russia. The agreement focuses on strengthening cooperation in defence and security domains. It includes collaboration in countering missile threats and unmanned aerial systems, along with the exchange of technical expertise. Ukraine’s experience in handling drone and missile attacks during the ongoing war has been a key factor in shaping this partnership. Zelenskyy held discussions with Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at Lusail Palace. The meeting addressed regional and international developments, including rising tensions in West Asia and the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Both sides emphasised the importance of dialogue and stability in an increasingly volatile global environment.

 

2. CDS Gen Anil Chauhan Inaugurates Techkriti 2025 at IIT Kanpur: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Gen Anil Chauhan inaugurated Techkriti 2025 at IIT Kanpur, Asia’s largest tech and entrepreneurial festival, under the theme “Panta Rhei” (Everything Flows). He emphasized the modernization of the Indian Armed Forces through Cybersecurity, AI, Quantum Computing, and Cognitive Warfare, urging young innovators to contribute to national security. The event featured ‘Rakshakriti’ – a Defence Expo, showcasing AI-driven warfare, autonomous drones, and indigenous defence technologies, reinforcing Atmanirbhar Bharat and enhancing Defence-Academia-Industry collaboration. Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah announced the launch of ‘Sahkar’, a cooperative-based taxi service modeled on Ola and Uber but designed to empower drivers as stakeholders. Unlike corporate-owned ride-hailing platforms, ‘Sahkar’ ensures fair earnings and profit-sharing under the cooperative framework. Introduced during discussions on the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (Amendment) Bill, 2023, the initiative supports the ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’ mission and aims to reform the cooperative sector while addressing concerns over unfair pricing by private services.

 

3. ‘Prachand Prahaar’ – The Tri-Service Integrated Multi-Domain Warfare Exercise: The Indian Army conducted ‘Prachand Prahaar’, a Tri-Service integrated multi-domain warfare exercise, in Arunachal Pradesh from March 25-27, 2025, under the Eastern Command. The exercise focused on jointness, technological superiority, and operational preparedness, integrating Surveillance, Command & Control, and Precision Firepower across the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It emphasized multi-domain operations, including land, air, sea, space, and cyber warfare, enhancing inter-service synergy and rapid response capabilities in high-altitude warfare.

 

4. India and Russia Conduct 14th Edition of Maritime Bilateral Exercise – INDRA 2025: India and Russia will conduct the 14th edition of Exercise INDRA 2025 from March 28 to April 2, 2025, off the Chennai coast and in the Bay of Bengal. This bilateral naval exercise, established in 2003, aims to enhance naval interoperability and maritime cooperation. It will be held in two phases: the Harbour Phase (March 28-30) in Chennai, featuring Subject Matter Expert Exchanges (SMEEs) and ship visits, and the Sea Phase (March 31-April 2) in the Bay of Bengal, involving tactical maneuvers, live weapon firings, anti-air operations, and helicopter cross-deck landings.

 

SPORTS

 

1. L&T Finance Ltd. Names Jasprit Bumrah as Brand Ambassador: L&T Finance Ltd. (LTF), a leading NBFC in India, has appointed cricketer Jasprit Bumrah as its brand ambassador to enhance its brand presence. Known for its leadership in Rural Business Finance, Farm Equipment Finance, and Two-wheeler Finance, LTF serves over 2 lakh villages, with 2,028 rural branches and 185 urban branches, providing accessible financial solutions through a strong retail franchise and 12,500 distribution touch points.

 

2. Steve Waugh Appointed to Centre for Australia-India Relations Advisory Board: Former Australian cricket captain Steve Waugh has been appointed to the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR) Advisory Board, as announced by Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong. His appointment underscores his contributions to Australia-India ties in sports, culture, and philanthropy. CAIR plays a crucial role in strengthening economic, cultural, and diplomatic relations, acting as a bridge between government, industry, academia, and communities. The Advisory Board guides CAIR’s strategic priorities to enhance bilateral cooperation.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Coringa Sanctuary Protects Olive Ridley Turtle Eggs: Officials of the Wildlife Management Authority and Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh have successfully conserved nearly 20,000 eggs of Olive Ridley turtles on Hope Island. This effort highlights the ecological importance of coastal habitats and ongoing conservation initiatives to protect vulnerable marine species. Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Andhra Pradesh and forms part of the Godavari estuary, where the Coringa River meets the Bay of Bengal. Established in 1978, it is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to the second-largest stretch of mangrove forests in India. The sanctuary comprises extensive mangrove ecosystems along with patches of dry deciduous tropical forests.

 

2. Rare Keelback Snake Species Documented in Northeast India: Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun have recently documented two rare keelback snake species in Northeast India. The Rakhine Keelback (“Herpetoreas davidi”) was recorded in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, while the Kachin Hills Keelback (“Hebius gilhodesi”) was identified in Namdapha National Park and Kamlang Tiger Reserve, highlighting the region’s rich biodiversity. Keelback snakes are generally non-venomous reptiles known for their adaptability to diverse habitats. They are commonly found near water bodies such as streams, wetlands and moist forest areas. Their distribution spans both wet and dry forest environments, making them an important component of forest ecosystems.

 

3. SWOT Satellite Maps Ocean Floor with Advanced Data: NASA has recently developed a detailed map of the ocean floor using data from the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite. This advancement marks a significant step in understanding underwater features and global water dynamics, contributing to climate studies and oceanographic research. The SWOT satellite, launched in 2022, is a joint mission between NASA and the French space agency CNES. Its primary objective is to measure and monitor changes in Earth’s water bodies over time, including oceans, rivers, lakes and reservoirs. The mission aims to provide high-resolution data for better understanding of water distribution and movement across the planet. SWOT is equipped with the Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn), a specialised instrument that measures the height, width and elevation of surface water bodies. It works by sending microwave signals towards the Earth’s surface and analysing the return time, enabling precise mapping of water levels and flows. This technology allows scientists to track dynamic changes in water systems with unprecedented accuracy.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Core Sector Growth Slows to 2.9% in February: India’s core sector growth slowed to 2.9% in February 2025, the weakest in five months, compared to 7.1% in February 2024. The decline was due to a high base effect and weaker output in five of the eight industries. Cement (10.5%) and fertilizers (10.2%) were the only sectors with annual growth, while coal (1.7%), crude oil (-5.2%), and natural gas (-6%) performed poorly. The slowdown may impact Industrial Production Index (IIP) growth, which stood at 5% in January 2025.

 

2. SBI Chief CS Setty Appointed as Chairman of Indian Banks Association (IBA): Challa Sreenivasalu Setty, SBI Chairman, has been elected as the new Chairman of the Indian Banks Association (IBA) for the upcoming fiscal year, succeeding MV Rao (Central Bank of India CEO). The IBA also appointed A Manimekhalai (Union Bank of India), Swarup Kumar Saha (Punjab & Sind Bank), and Madhav Nair (Bank of Bahrain & Kuwait India) as Deputy Chairmen, while B Ramesh Babu (Karur Vysya Bank CEO) was named Honorary Secretary. Setty will lead IBA in advocating for banking sector policies and industry challenges.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Punjab & Sind Bank Wins Top Improvers Award in EASE 6.0 Reforms Index: Punjab & Sind Bank has been honored with the Top Improvers award in the EASE 6.0 Reforms Index for its exceptional progress in digital transformation, financial inclusion, and customer service excellence. Under the leadership of Swarup Kumar Saha (MD & CEO), the bank has enhanced banking services, operational efficiency, and modernization, reflecting its commitment to excellence in the public banking sector.

 

2. Masaki Kashiwara Wins the 2025 Abel Prize for Mathematics: Japanese mathematician Masaki Kashiwara has been awarded the 2025 Abel Prize for his groundbreaking contributions to algebraic analysis and representation theory. Honored by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, Kashiwara, 78, is recognized for his pioneering work on D-modules and crystal bases, which have significantly influenced modern mathematics. The Abel Prize, established in 2002 and named after Niels Henrik Abel, is one of the most prestigious mathematics awards, often regarded as the Nobel Prize of Mathematics.