Daily Current Affairs Quiz
18 March, 2026
National Affairs
1. Government Withdraws Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025
Source: ET
The Government of India has withdrawn the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 from the Lok Sabha to make further changes. The withdrawal motion was moved by Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and was approved through a voice vote in the Lok Sabha.
Purpose of the Bill
The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Bill, 2025 aimed to:
- Decriminalise minor offences across various laws
- Rationalise penalties and compliance provisions
- Reduce the regulatory burden on businesses and citizens
The broader goal was to improve the ease of doing business in India by replacing certain criminal penalties with civil penalties or administrative actions.
Why the Bill Was Withdrawn
The government withdrew the bill in order to:
- Introduce modifications and improvements to the proposed amendments
- Rework certain provisions before presenting the bill again in Parliament.
2. State of Working India Report 2026
Source: BS
A report by Azim Premji University titled State of Working India 2026 highlights a significant trend in India’s labour market: about 67% of unemployed youth aged 20–29 were graduates in 2023.
Key Findings
1. Sharp rise in graduate unemployment
- 2023: Around 1.1 crore unemployed youth were graduates (67%)
- 2004: About 30 lakh unemployed youth were graduates (32%)
This indicates that the share of graduates among unemployed youth has more than doubled in two decades.
2. Rapid expansion of higher education
- Graduates among youth (20–29 years):
- 2004: 10% (1.9 crore)
- 2023: 28% (6.3 crore)
India has significantly expanded access to higher education, producing many more graduates.
3. Job creation lagging behind graduate supply
Between 2004 and 2023:
- Around 50 lakh graduates were added annually
- Only 28 lakh graduate jobs were created each year
- Out of these, only 17 lakh were salaried jobs
The report notes that graduate employment has not kept pace with the growing supply of graduates.
Reasons for High Graduate Unemployment
The report identifies several factors:
- Job creation not keeping pace with education expansion
- Skill mismatch and employability concerns
- Lack of work experience among young graduates
- Youth delaying job entry, as households today have slightly better income levels than before.
3. UNEP Report: Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines (2026)
Context:
The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the 2026 report “Safe Disposal of Unused Medicines”, highlighting the serious environmental and public health risks caused by improper disposal of pharmaceuticals.
The report proposes a global framework for safer management of unused medicines using a One Health approach, which links human health, animal health, and environmental protection.
What the Report Focuses On
The report recommends strengthening national systems through:
- Waste prevention strategies
- Medicine take-back programmes
- Strong legal and regulatory frameworks
- Public awareness campaigns
These measures should cover medicines from:
- Households
- Hospitals and pharmacies
- Agriculture and veterinary sectors
Key Findings
1. Environmental Risks
Improper disposal of medicines (e.g., flushing down toilets or dumping in landfills) releases pharmaceutical chemicals into soil and water.
This can cause:
- Antimicrobial resistance (AMR)
- Endocrine disruption in wildlife
- Toxicity in aquatic ecosystems
2. High Global Wastage
- Up to 50% of household medicines globally eventually become waste.
- This reflects over-prescription, improper storage, and patient non-compliance.
3. Rising Economic Impact
The unused medicine management market is projected to reach about $2.54 billion by 2032, driven by:
- Increasing healthcare consumption
- Greater awareness about pharmaceutical pollution
- Development of waste management systems
4. Wastewater Treatment Limitations
Most wastewater treatment plants are not designed to remove pharmaceutical compounds completely.
As a result:
- Drug residues enter rivers, lakes, and groundwater
- Long-term ecosystem contamination occurs.
5. Public Health Threat – Antimicrobial Resistance
According to global estimates:
- 1.27 million deaths in 2019 were directly caused by bacterial antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Improper medicine disposal contributes to AMR by exposing bacteria in the environment to low levels of antibiotics, enabling resistance development.
6. Prevention Potential
The report highlights prevention as the most effective solution.
Example:
- In the Netherlands, around 40% of unused medicines could be avoided through better prescribing practices and improved patient guidance.
Key Recommendations of the Report
The report calls on governments to:
- Establish national medicine take-back programmes.
- Improve prescription and dispensing practices.
- Strengthen regulations on pharmaceutical waste disposal.
- Promote public awareness campaigns on safe disposal.
- Develop pharmaceutical pollution monitoring systems.
4. Exercise Sea Dragon
Source: TH
Context:
Exercise Sea Dragon is a multinational anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercise led by the United States Navy in the Western Pacific Ocean near Guam.
Recently, the Indian Navy deployed its Boeing P‑8I Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to participate in this exercise.
Overview
- Type: Multinational Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) exercise
- Conducted by: United States Navy
- Location: Western Pacific Ocean near Guam
- Frequency: Annual exercise
- Focus: Maritime surveillance and anti-submarine operations
Aim of the Exercise
The exercise seeks to:
- Enhance anti-submarine warfare capabilities among partner navies
- Improve interoperability between maritime patrol aircraft crews
- Strengthen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region
- Support a free, open, and secure Indo-Pacific maritime domain
Participating Countries
Key Indo-Pacific partners typically participating include:
- Indian Navy
- United States Navy
- Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force
- Royal Australian Air Force
- Royal New Zealand Air Force
5. 24 Speed Post
Source: TH
Context:
The Department of Posts under the Ministry of Communications launched “24 Speed Post” on 17 March 2026 to provide guaranteed next-day delivery services for urgent consignments. This initiative strengthens the premium express delivery services of India Post.
What is 24 Speed Post?
24 Speed Post is a premium express postal service designed for time-sensitive shipments.
It ensures D+1 delivery, meaning the parcel is delivered the next day after booking, with enhanced tracking and security features.
Objectives
The service aims to:
- Provide fast and reliable next-day delivery
- Strengthen India Post’s express logistics network
- Support businesses and individuals with urgent shipments
- Improve competitiveness with private courier services
Cities Covered in the First Phase
The service will initially operate across all PIN codes in six major metro cities:
- New Delhi
- Mumbai
- Chennai
- Kolkata
- Bengaluru
- Hyderabad
6. India’s First National Report on Implementation of the Nagoya Protocol
Source: PIB
Context:
India has submitted its First National Report (NR1) on the implementation of the Nagoya Protocol to the Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). The report highlights India’s progress in implementing Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) mechanisms related to the use of genetic resources.
It was prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
About the First National Report (NR1)
India’s First National Report (NR1) is an official submission describing the legal, institutional, and implementation measures taken by India to fulfil its obligations under the Nagoya Protocol.
Reporting Period
The report covers the period from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025.
Key Findings from the Report
1. Community Participation
A large number of local biodiversity institutions have been established.
- 2,76,653 Biodiversity Management Committees (BMCs) have been formed across India.
These committees function at the local body level to document biodiversity and manage local resources.
2. Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Approvals
Total approvals issued (2017–2025):
- 12,830 approvals
3. Benefit Sharing
The Access and Benefit Sharing mechanism generated significant funds:
- ₹216.31 crore mobilised through approvals by the NBA.
- ₹139.69 crore distributed to:
- Local communities
- Farmers
- Holders of traditional knowledge.
About the Nagoya Protocol
The Nagoya Protocol is a supplementary agreement to the Convention on Biological Diversity that establishes a legal framework for access to genetic resources and fair sharing of benefits arising from their use.
Objectives of the Protocol
- Ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources.
- Promote conservation of biodiversity.
- Encourage sustainable use of biological resources.
- Protect traditional knowledge of indigenous and local communities.
7. Dual-Sex Crab (Vela carli)
Source: TH
Context:
Researchers have discovered a rare dual-sex freshwater crab in Silent Valley National Park in Kerala, located in the Western Ghats.
The crab belongs to the species Vela carli and shows gynandromorphy, a rare biological condition where an organism has both male and female physical traits. This is the first recorded case of gynandromorphy in the crab family Gecarcinucidae.
What is the Dual-Sex Crab?
- A freshwater crab species exhibiting gynandromorphy.
- The individual crab shows male reproductive structures along with female gonopores (genital openings).
- It represents a rare genetic anomaly in crustaceans.
Scientific Classification
- Scientific name: Vela carli
- Family: Gecarcinucidae
- Type: Freshwater crab
Habitat and Distribution
- Found in tree holes within forests of Silent Valley National Park.
- Species is endemic to the Central Western Ghats, meaning it occurs only in this region.
This region is known for high biodiversity and endemic species.
What is Gynandromorphy?
Gynandromorphy is a rare biological phenomenon where an organism shows both male and female physical characteristics simultaneously.
Banking/Finance
1. IRDAI Proposes Public Insurance Registry (PIR)
Source: TH
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed creating a Public Insurance Registry (PIR) to modernise the information infrastructure of India’s insurance sector.
The proposal was discussed at a stakeholder meeting addressed by IRDAI Chairman Ajay Seth in New Delhi.
What is the Public Insurance Registry (PIR)?
The Public Insurance Registry (PIR) is envisioned as a consent-driven, legally compliant digital platform that will consolidate insurance data from across the ecosystem.
It will cover the entire lifecycle of an insurance policy, including:
- Policy issuance
- Policy servicing
- Claims settlement
- Grievance redressal
- Dispute resolution
The PIR will function as a structured and interoperable information infrastructure connecting insurers, regulators, and other stakeholders.
Key Objectives of PIR
- Reduce Information Asymmetry
Provide a unified database of insurance policies and transactions. - Improve Fraud Detection
Centralised data will help identify fraudulent claims and duplicate policies. - Data-Driven Regulation
Enable better regulatory oversight and policy analysis. - Improve Customer Experience
Provide easier access to insurance information for policyholders.
Integration with Bima Sugam
IRDAI emphasised alignment between the PIR and the proposed digital insurance marketplace Bima Sugam.
The integration aims to:
- Provide seamless access to insurance policies
- Improve service delivery
- Transform the overall customer experience
2. RBI Wins “Initiative of the Year” Award for .bank.in Domain
Source: ET
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has received the “Initiative of the Year” award from Central Banking for launching the .bank.in domain, a dedicated internet domain for India’s banking sector.
What is .bank.in?
The .bank.in domain is a specialised and exclusive internet domain for banks in India, designed to strengthen the security of digital banking services.
India has become the first country in the world to mandate a dedicated domain exclusively for banks.
Objectives of the Initiative
The .bank.in domain aims to:
- Enhance cybersecurity in digital banking
- Reduce phishing and digital payment frauds
- Increase consumer trust in online banking
- Strengthen overall financial stability
3. RBI Imposes ₹2.7 Lakh Penalty on Manappuram Finance for KMP Compensation Guideline Violation
Source: BS
Context:
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on Manappuram Finance Limited, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC), for non-compliance with guidelines related to Key Managerial Personnel (KMP) compensation.
Key Highlights:
Penalty Imposed
- The RBI levied the penalty under provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
- The violation relates to non-adherence to compensation guidelines for Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs) applicable to NBFCs.
Inspection Basis
- The non-compliance was detected during the statutory inspection conducted by RBI.
- The inspection was based on the company’s financial position as of 31 March 2025.
Nature of the Violation
- Paid the entire variable pay upfront to certain Key Managerial Personnel (KMPs).
- According to RBI guidelines, a portion of the variable compensation must be deferred, rather than paid fully at once.
- The company did not fully comply with the KMP compensation norms under the Scale Based Regulation (SBR) framework applicable to NBFCs.
4. Fitch Raises India’s GDP Growth Forecast to 7.5% for FY26
Context:
In March 2026, Fitch Ratings released its Global Economic Outlook – March 2026, projecting India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth at 7.5% for FY2025–26 (FY26). The upward outlook is driven by strong domestic demand and stable macroeconomic indicators.
Key Highlights:
FY26 Growth Projection
- Fitch expects India’s GDP to grow at 7.5% in FY26, reflecting continued economic momentum supported by consumption and investment.
FY27 Growth Forecast Revised Upward
- For FY2026–27 (FY27), the agency revised its growth projection upward to 6.7%, compared with 6.4% estimated earlier in December 2025.
Medium-Term Outlook
- Growth is expected to moderate slightly but remain strong at around 6.5% in FY28, indicating sustained economic expansion.
5. NBFCs Delay External Commercial Borrowings as Hedging Costs Rise
Context:
Several Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India are postponing plans to raise funds through External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) due to rising hedging costs triggered by geopolitical tensions in the West Asia region.
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) are loans raised by Indian entities from foreign lenders in foreign currency or sometimes in Indian rupees. These borrowings help companies access international capital markets for financing their business activities.
The framework for ECBs in India is regulated by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
These loans can be in the form of:
- Bank loans
- Buyers’ credit
- Suppliers’ credit
- Bonds (such as Foreign Currency Convertible Bonds – FCCBs)
- Securitised instruments
Eligible Borrowers
Entities allowed to raise ECBs include:
- Companies in manufacturing and services sectors
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs)
- Infrastructure companies
- Housing finance companies
- Microfinance institutions
- Start-ups (under specific conditions)
Why NBFCs Use ECBs
NBFCs generally tap overseas markets to:
- Diversify funding sources
- Access large global capital pools
- Borrow at potentially lower interest rates than domestic funding
However, the cost advantage depends on hedging costs used to protect against exchange-rate volatility.
6. RBI’s New Rules Deepen India’s Acquisition Finance Market
Source: Mint
Context:
Recent reforms by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) have significantly reshaped India’s acquisition finance landscape, allowing banks to play a larger role in funding corporate acquisitions while maintaining strong prudential safeguards.
These changes come through:
- Amendments to the Credit Facilities Directions (February 2026)
- A revised framework for External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
Together, they open new channels for bank-funded acquisitions and offshore borrowing.
1. Banks Can Now Provide Acquisition Finance
RBI now allows Indian banks to provide acquisition finance to:
- Indian non-financial corporates
- Their subsidiaries
- Step-down Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs)
The funds can be used to acquire strategic control in domestic or foreign companies.
Thresholds covered
Acquisitions that cross key voting thresholds are eligible:
- 26%
- 51%
- 75%
- 90%
Control can be acquired through:
- Equity shares
- Compulsorily Convertible Debentures (CCDs)
2. Eligibility Conditions for Borrowers
To prevent excessive risk, RBI has set strict financial eligibility criteria.
Minimum financial strength
Acquirers must have:
- Net worth: at least ₹500 crore
- Positive net profit: in each of the last 3 years
For unlisted companies:
- Credit rating must be BBB- or higher.
3. Financing Limits and Equity Contribution
RBI has imposed conservative leverage rules.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Maximum bank financing | 75% of acquisition value |
| Minimum equity contribution | 25% from acquirer |
| Post-acquisition debt-equity ratio | Max 3:1 |
For unlisted targets:
- Two independent valuations are required.
- Lower valuation is used.
Listed acquirers can temporarily bridge equity contribution for up to 12 months, provided an equity take-out is planned.
4. Mandatory Recourse and Security
Unlike leveraged buyouts in global markets, RBI requires recourse to the parent company.
Key safeguards include:
- Corporate guarantee from the parent group
- Share pledge over acquired shares/CCDs
- Compliance with 30% per-bank shareholding limit
This marks a clear departure from non-recourse leveraged buyout structures commonly used internationally.
The goal is to prevent highly leveraged acquisition structures from threatening financial stability.
5. Refinancing of Target Company Debt Allowed
Banks can now refinance existing debt of the target company if it is integral to the acquisition.
This helps when:
- Existing lenders block change-of-control clauses
- Debt is secured on core assets of the target
Importantly:
- Such refinancing does not count toward banks’ capital market exposure limits.
6. Exposure Limits for Banks
The new framework also regulates banks’ risk exposure.
| Exposure Limit | Cap |
|---|---|
| Total capital market exposure | 40% of eligible capital |
| Acquisition finance sub-limit | 20% |
| Overseas branch participation in a deal | Max 20% of funding |
These limits help prevent concentration risk in acquisition lending.
7. Changes to External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)
The RBI also liberalized the ECB framework.
Major changes include:
- Acquisition of control now allowed as an ECB end-use
- Removal of all-in-cost ceiling
- Minimum maturity standardized at 3 years
This opens an offshore borrowing channel for acquisition finance.
7. SEBI Proposes Changes to Simplify Nomination Rules for Demat Accounts and Mutual Funds
Source: BL
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has proposed simplifying nomination rules for demat accounts and mutual fund (MF) folios to reduce operational difficulties faced by investors and market participants.
The proposals modify the nomination framework introduced in January 2025 after industry feedback highlighted implementation challenges.
Key Proposed Changes
1. Nomination to Become Default Option
SEBI has proposed making nomination the default option when opening:
- Demat accounts
- Mutual fund folios
Investors who do not wish to nominate anyone must explicitly opt out by submitting a declaration.
This replaces the earlier process that required:
- OTP verification
- Video-based confirmation
These procedures were considered complex and inconvenient.
2. Simplified Nominee Information Requirements
Under the proposed framework, only basic details of the nominee will be mandatory:
Required:
- Name of the nominee
- Relationship with the investor
Optional:
- Address
- Mobile number
- Email ID
- Percentage share of the nominee
If the share percentage is not specified, the assets will be divided equally among nominees.
3. Reduction in Maximum Number of Nominees
Earlier SEBI rules (January 2025 circular):
- Allowed up to 10 nominees.
New proposal:
- Limit reduced to 4 nominees.
Reason:
- Operational complexity
- Data shows most investors appoint only one or two nominees.
8. Bima Sugam to Launch Standardised Insurance Products in 2026
Source: BS
Context:
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) is preparing to roll out standardised insurance products on the digital platform Bima Sugam during 2026.
The initiative was discussed at a meeting between IRDAI and CEOs of insurance companies in New Delhi.
Phased Launch of Insurance Products
Insurance products on Bima Sugam will be introduced in phases:
- Motor Insurance – expected by July 2026
- Health Insurance – expected by August 2026
- Life Insurance – expected by September 2026
Separate industry committees with representatives from insurance companies have been formed to design standardised products for each segment.
Although products will be standardised, insurers will still compete through:
- Pricing
- Underwriting policies
- Customer experience and services
What is Bima Sugam?
Bima Sugam is a proposed digital insurance marketplace aimed at creating a single platform for buying, selling, and servicing insurance policies.
Key objectives include:
- Easier access to insurance products
- Greater transparency
- Faster policy issuance and claims processing
- Improved insurance penetration in India
Public Insurance Repository (PIR)
IRDAI also plans to establish a Public Insurance Repository (PIR) to strengthen the insurance sector’s data infrastructure.
The PIR will expand the role of the Insurance Information Bureau of India (IIB), which was set up in 2009 to collect and analyse insurance data.
Features of PIR
The proposed registry will:
- Act as a comprehensive insurance data repository
- Be consent-driven and legally compliant
- Cover the entire policy lifecycle, including:
- Policy issuance
- Claims processing
- Grievance redressal
- Dispute resolution
Agriculture
1. ICRIER Paper: Use West Asia Crisis to Push Fertiliser Reforms in India
Source: BS
Context:
A new policy paper by the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations (ICRIER) argues that India should use the current geopolitical disruptions in West Asia as an opportunity to reform its fertiliser subsidy and supply system.
The paper titled “De-risking Fertiliser Supplies for India Amid Rising Geopolitical Risks” highlights the country’s heavy import dependence and fiscal burden from fertiliser subsidies.
Key Concern: High Import Dependence
The report notes that 68.6% of India’s fertiliser value chain depends on imports, making the sector vulnerable to geopolitical shocks.
Break-up of dependence:
- 44.5% – Imported feedstock (mainly natural gas and raw materials)
- 24.1% – Imported finished fertilisers
- 5.8% – Domestic feedstock
- 25.6% – Domestic processing and manufacturing
This means India’s fertiliser security is highly exposed to global conflicts and supply disruptions, especially in energy-producing regions.
Major Reform Recommendations
The ICRIER paper suggests several structural reforms.
1. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to Farmers
Instead of subsidising fertiliser products, the government should transfer subsidies directly to farmers.
Benefits:
- Reduces leakages (estimated around 20%)
- Promotes balanced fertiliser use
- Improves fiscal efficiency
2. Gradual Price Deregulation
The report recommends gradually deregulating fertiliser prices, especially for macronutrients.
This would:
- Allow market-based pricing
- Encourage efficient use of fertilisers
- Reduce government subsidy burden
3. Bring Urea Under Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS)
Currently:
- Urea is highly subsidised and price-controlled
The report proposes bringing urea under the
Nutrient Based Subsidy Scheme.
This would:
- Promote balanced nutrient usage
- Reduce excessive nitrogen consumption
- Improve soil health.
4. Use AgriStack for Fertiliser Targeting
If direct reforms are difficult initially, the paper suggests restricting fertiliser sales based on farm size and crop patterns.
This could be implemented using the government’s
AgriStack digital agriculture platform.
The restrictions could be based on:
- Farm size
- Crop type
- Recommended nutrient doses from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs)
Supply-Side Recommendations
The report also calls for reducing import risks through diversification.
Measures suggested:
- Diversify fertiliser import sources
- Encourage overseas investments in fertiliser assets
- Accelerate domestic exploration of feedstock
- Simplify regulatory frameworks to improve efficiency
2. Asia-Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA)
Source: BS
Context:
The Asia-Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA) has been launched to strengthen agricultural trade, investment, technology transfer, and policy cooperation between countries in Asia and Africa.
The initiative was launched with participation from ambassadors, policymakers, agribusiness leaders, and representatives from more than 10 countries.
What is the Asia-Africa Agri Alliance?
The Asia-Africa Agri Alliance (AAAA) is a not-for-profit platform established as a Section 8 institution in India to promote institutional cooperation in the agricultural sector between Asia and Africa.
The alliance aims to bridge gaps between the two regions in technology, investment, and agricultural markets.
Importance of Asia–Africa Agricultural Cooperation
- Asia and Africa together account for over 40% of global agricultural production.
- Bilateral agricultural trade already exceeds $90 billion annually.
Africa’s Advantages
- Holds 65% of the world’s remaining arable land
- Has a young and rapidly growing workforce
- Agricultural sector projected to reach $1 trillion by 2030
Asia’s Strengths
- Advanced agricultural processing technologies
- Strong supply chain infrastructure
- Experience in agricultural transformation
- Access to large consumer markets
Key Objectives
The alliance focuses on five major pillars of cooperation:
- Trade and Market Access
- Promote agricultural trade and improve market access between Asian and African countries.
- Technology and Innovation Transfer
- Share modern farming technologies, digital agriculture tools, and processing techniques.
- Investment and Finance
- Encourage investment flows and agribusiness partnerships across the two regions.
- Policy, Standards and Agricultural Diplomacy
- Promote policy coordination, regulatory standards, and cooperation in global agricultural negotiations.
- Capacity Building and Knowledge Exchange
- Strengthen skills, research collaboration, and training programmes.
Facts To Remember
1. BHIM App Targets 5% UPI Market Share to Enter Top 5
The payments app BHIM is aiming to reach around 5% share of India’s UPI transaction volume within the next three years. The initiative is part of an effort by National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) to position BHIM as a sovereign alternative to private digital payment apps.
2. China Overtakes Netherlands as India’s 3rd Largest Export Market (Feb 2026)
According to data from India’s commerce department, China has overtaken Netherlands to become India’s third-largest export destination in February 2026.
3. Government Approves Food Safety Reforms to Improve Ease of Doing Business
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare approved major regulatory reforms in the food safety sector effective from April 2026. Licences issued by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India will now have perpetual validity, eliminating renewal requirements. The turnover threshold for basic registration has been raised from ₹12 lakh to ₹1.5 crore. Street vendors registered under the Street Vendors Act, 2014 will be automatically considered registered under FSSAI.
4. Government Approves ₹1,250 Crore IT SEZ in Puducherry
The Government of India approved the establishment of an Information Technology Special Economic Zone in Puducherry. The project will be developed on 21.30 acres of land with an investment of about ₹1,250 crore. Nearly 70% of the area will have plug-and-play office infrastructure for IT companies. The SEZ is expected to generate about 30,000 jobs and produce service exports worth ₹10,000 crore over the next decade.
5. Indian Navy Participates in Exercise Sea Dragon 2026
The Indian Navy participated in the multinational anti-submarine warfare exercise Exercise Sea Dragon 2026 hosted by the United States Navy at Andersen Air Force Base in Guam. The exercise focuses on advanced maritime surveillance and submarine detection operations. Other participants included Japan, Australia and New Zealand. It aims to enhance coordination among Indo-Pacific maritime forces.
6. World Bank Approves USD 300 Million Loan for Clean Air Plan in Uttar Pradesh
The World Bank approved a loan of USD 300 million to support clean air initiatives in Uttar Pradesh. The programme will strengthen air quality management and pollution monitoring systems. The loan has a maturity period of 10 years including a two-year grace period. The initiative forms part of the regional air quality programme in the Indo-Gangetic Plains.
7. Reliance Signs USD 3 Billion Green Ammonia Deal with Samsung C&T
Reliance Industries Limited signed a long-term supply agreement with Samsung C&T Corporation of South Korea for green ammonia supply. The agreement valued at over USD 3 billion will run for 15 years starting from FY 2028-29. The green ammonia will be produced through Reliance’s clean energy ecosystem in India. The deal supports the goals of the National Green Hydrogen Mission.
8. BCCI Naman Awards 2026 Honour Cricket Legends
The Board of Control for Cricket in India presented the BCCI Naman Awards in New Delhi. Roger Binny and Rahul Dravid received the Colonel C. K. Nayudu Lifetime Achievement Award. Mithali Raj was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award for women’s cricket. Shubman Gill and Smriti Mandhana won the Best International Cricketer awards in men’s and women’s categories.
9. Sahitya Akademi Announces Awards for 2025
The Sahitya Akademi announced the winners of the Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2025 across 24 Indian languages. Navtej Sarna won the award in English for the novel “Crimson Spring”. Mamta Kalia received the Hindi award for her memoir “Jeete Jee Allahabad”. Each winner receives a plaque, shawl and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
10. Gujarat Conducts First Sounding Rocket Launch at Dholera
A sounding rocket developed by Omspace Rocket and Exploration Private Limited was successfully launched near Dholera in Gujarat. The rocket reached an altitude of about 3 kilometres carrying a small weather-monitoring payload. The launch was conducted with approval from IN-SPACe. It marks Gujarat’s entry into India’s private space technology ecosystem.
11. ZSI Discovers Two New Lichen Moth Species in Eastern Himalayas
Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India discovered two new species of lichen moths named Caulocera hollowayi and Asura buxa. The species were identified in Sikkim and West Bengal in the Eastern Himalayas. The findings were published in the journal Zootaxa. Lichen moths are considered important indicators of environmental and air quality.
12. Kimi Antonelli Wins Formula One Chinese Grand Prix 2026
Andrea Kimi Antonelli of Mercedes-AMG Petronas won the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix 2026 held at the Shanghai International Circuit in China. George Russell finished second while Lewis Hamilton secured third place. The race was the second round of the 2026 Formula One World Championship. It was Antonelli’s first Grand Prix victory.
13. World Sleep Day 2026 – March 13
World Sleep Day was observed on 13 March 2026 to raise awareness about the importance of healthy sleep. The campaign is organised annually by the World Sleep Society. It promotes better prevention and management of sleep disorders worldwide. The first World Sleep Day was observed in 2008.
14. Himachal Pradesh Signs MoUs with NDDB to Strengthen Dairy Sector
The Government of Himachal Pradesh signed three agreements with the National Dairy Development Board to improve dairy infrastructure. Two milk processing plants will be established at Nahan and Nalagarh with capacities of 20,000 litres per day each. Chilling centres will also be set up to strengthen milk collection systems. The project aims to increase farmer income and modernise dairy operations in the state.
15. Mundra Port Receives Indian Vessel ‘Jag Ladki’ Carrying 81,000 Tonnes of Crude Oil from UAE
A large Indian vessel named ‘Jag Ladki’ arrived at Mundra Port in Gujarat this morning carrying a significant consignment of crude oil.
16. Lok Sabha Extends Tenure of JPC on ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bills Till Monsoon Session 2026
The Lok Sabha has extended the tenure of the Joint Parliamentary Committee examining the legislation related to one nation, one election, until the first day of the last week of the Monsoon session, 2026.
17. Parliament passes Appropriation Bill 2026
Parliament has passed the Appropriation Bill 2026 with the Rajya Sabha returning it to the Lower House after discussion.
18. Govt increases Budget for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare by 2025-26
The Government has enhanced the Budget allocation of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare from 21,933 crore during 2013-14 to 127,290 crore during 2025-26.
