Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 25 March, 2026

Daily Current Affairs Quiz
25 March, 2026

National Affairs

1. Global Terrorism Index 2026

Source: Mint

Context:

Institute for Economics and Peace releases Global Terrorism Index 2026

• Most affected country: Pakistan
• India’s rank: 13th
• Highlights changing global terrorism trends

What is Global Terrorism Index?

• Annual report measuring impact of terrorism across countries
• Published by Institute for Economics and Peace
• Score range:
  • 0 → No impact
  • 10 → Highest impact

Key Findings

Country Rankings

• Pakistan:
  • Rank: 1
  • Score: 8.574
  • Deaths: 1,139
  • Incidents: 1,045
• India:
  • Rank: 13
  • Score: 6.428

Most Affected Countries

• Burkina Faso – Rank 2
• Niger – Rank 3
• Nigeria – Rank 4
• Mali – Rank 5

METHODOLOGY

• Based on composite score using:
  • Number of incidents
  • Deaths
  • Injuries
  • Property damage

DATA

• Score range: 0 to 10
• Pakistan highest impact in 2026
• India ranked 13th
• Global deaths decreased by 28%

Important For:

• UPSC Prelims (Reports and Indices)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (Internal Security)
• State PCS Exams
• CAPF / CDS Exams

MCQs

Q.1) Global Terrorism Index is released by:

[1] United Nations
[2] World Bank
[3] Institute for Economics and Peace
[4] IMF
[5] Interpol

Answer: [3]

Q.2) GTI score ranges between:

[1] 0 to 5
[2] 1 to 10
[3] 0 to 10
[4] 10 to 100
[5] 0 to 100

Answer: [3]

Q.3) India’s rank in GTI 2026 is:

[1] 10
[2] 11
[3] 12
[4] 13
[5] 14

Answer: [4]

Q.4) Which country ranked first in GTI 2026?

[1] Nigeria
[2] Mali
[3] Pakistan
[4] Niger
[5] Burkina Faso

Answer: [3]

Q.5) GTI measures:

[1] Economic growth
[2] Climate change
[3] Impact of terrorism
[4] Population growth
[5] Trade

Answer: [3]

2. Internal Audit Portal (Ministry of Rural Development)

Context:

Ministry of Rural Development launches real-time Internal Audit Portal

• Developed by National Informatics Centre
• Purpose: Digital audit and governance monitoring
• Focus: Transparency and accountability

What is the Internal Audit Portal?

• A centralized digital platform for audit monitoring
• Replaces manual audit processes
• Enables real-time tracking of audit activities

Important For:

• UPSC Prelims (Government Initiatives, E-Governance)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 (Governance, Transparency, Accountability)
• State PCS Exams
• SSC and Banking Exams

MCQs

Q.1) Internal Audit Portal is launched by:

[1] Ministry of Finance
[2] Ministry of Rural Development
[3] NITI Aayog
[4] RBI
[5] SEBI

Answer: [2]

Q.2) The portal is developed by:

[1] ISRO
[2] DRDO
[3] NIC
[4] MeitY directly
[5] RBI

Answer: [3]

3. Jal Seva Aankalan Framework

Context:

Government operationalises Jal Seva Aankalan Framework under Jal Jeevan Mission

• Focus: Monitoring rural drinking water service delivery
• Approach: Community-based assessment with digital integration
• Objective: Improve quality, reliability, and sustainability of water supply

What is the Framework?

• A village-level monitoring and assessment system
• Evaluates rural tap water services under Jal Jeevan Mission
• Combines:
  • Community participation
  • Digital reporting

Key Features

Community-Led Assessment

• Conducted by Village Water & Sanitation Committee (VWSC)
• Ensures grassroots participation
• Promotes accountability

Gram Sabha Validation

• Findings presented before Gram Sabha
• Acts as:
  • Social audit mechanism
  • Transparency tool

Digital Data Integration

• Data uploaded on JJM-IMIS dashboard
• Enables:
  • Real-time monitoring
  • Multi-level tracking (district to national)

Important For:

• UPSC Prelims (Government Initiatives, E-Governance)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 (Governance, Transparency, Accountability)
• State PCS Exams
• SSC and Banking Exams

MCQs

Q.1) Jal Seva Aankalan Framework is associated with:

[1] Urban sanitation
[2] Rural drinking water assessment
[3] Irrigation projects
[4] River cleaning
[5] Groundwater extraction

Answer: [2]

Q.2) Which body conducts ground-level assessment?

[1] District Collector
[2] Gram Sabha
[3] Village Water & Sanitation Committee
[4] NITI Aayog
[5] Parliament

Answer: [3]

4. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)

Context:

Government restores full benefits under Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products

• Context: Support to exporters amid West Asia geopolitical disruptions
• Change: Withdrawal of earlier 50% restriction on rates and caps
• Objective: Boost export competitiveness

What is RoDTEP?

• A flagship export promotion scheme
• Refunds un-rebated taxes and duties on exported products
• Ensures:
  • Taxes are not exported
  • Level playing field globally

KEY FEATURES

Coverage

• Covers 10,000+ export products
• Includes sectors:
  • Agriculture
  • Marine
  • Leather
  • Gems and jewellery

Digital Mechanism

• Benefits provided as:
  • Transferable duty credit scrips
• Maintained in electronic ledger by Customs

WTO Compliance

• Based on principle of tax remission
• Complies with World Trade Organization norms

BACKGROUND

• Launched: January 1, 2021
• Replaced:
  • Merchandise Exports from India Scheme
• Implemented by:
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry

Important For:

• UPSC Prelims (Schemes, Economy, Trade)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (External Sector, Exports)
• RBI Grade B
• Commerce Optional
• Banking and SSC Exams

MCQs

Q.1) RoDTEP scheme aims to:

[1] Provide direct subsidies to exporters
[2] Refund un-rebated taxes and duties
[3] Increase imports
[4] Control inflation
[5] Regulate banking

Answer: [2]

Q.2) RoDTEP replaced:

[1] SEZ scheme
[2] GST
[3] MEIS
[4] FDI policy
[5] EXIM Bank

Answer: [3]

Q.3) RoDTEP is compliant with:

[1] IMF norms
[2] World Bank rules
[3] WTO rules
[4] RBI guidelines
[5] SEBI norms

Answer: [3]

Q.4) Benefits under RoDTEP are given as:

[1] Cash transfer
[2] Tax exemption certificates
[3] Duty credit scrips
[4] Bonds
[5] Subsidy cheques

Answer: [3]

Q.5) FOB value refers to:

[1] Cost including insurance
[2] Value at export point excluding freight and insurance
[3] Domestic price
[4] Import value
[5] Tax value

Answer: [2]

5. Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust (RIIT)

Context:

National Highways Authority of India sponsored Raajmarg Infra Investment Trust listed on Bombay Stock Exchange

• Type: Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)
• Purpose: Monetisation of highway assets
• Significance: Boosts infrastructure financing

What is RIIT?

• An Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)
• Similar to a mutual fund but for infrastructure assets
• Registered with Securities and Exchange Board of India
• Constituted under Indian Trusts Act, 1882

KEY FEATURES

Asset Monetisation

• Transfers operational highway assets from NHAI to trust
• Generates upfront capital for new projects

Investment Management

• Managed by:
  • Raajmarg Infra Investment Managers Pvt Ltd (RIIMPL)
• Responsible for:
  • Portfolio decisions
  • Asset acquisition

Revenue Generation

• Income sources:
  • Toll collection
  • Operational revenues

Regulatory Framework

• Governed by:
  • SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014

Important For?

• UPSC Prelims (Economy, Capital Markets, Infrastructure)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (Infrastructure, Investment Models)
• RBI Grade B
• SEBI Grade A
• Banking Exams

MCQs

Q.1) RIIT is:

[1] A banking institution
[2] A mutual fund for equities
[3] An Infrastructure Investment Trust
[4] A government department
[5] A pension fund

Answer: [3]

Q.2) RIIT is primarily used for:

[1] Tax collection
[2] Asset monetisation of highways
[3] Loan disbursement
[4] Insurance services
[5] Export promotion

Answer: [2]

Q.3) InvITs are regulated by:

[1] RBI
[2] SEBI
[3] NABARD
[4] IRDAI
[5] Finance Commission

Answer: [2]

Q.4) Minimum distribution requirement in InvITs is:

[1] 50%
[2] 60%
[3] 70%
[4] 80%
[5] 90%

Answer: [5]

Q.5) Revenue for RIIT mainly comes from:

[1] Taxes
[2] Toll collection
[3] GST
[4] Imports
[5] Donations

Answer: [2]

6. Corruption Perceptions Index 2025

Context:

Transparency International releases Corruption Perceptions Index 2025

• Global corruption increasing
• India score: 39/100
• Rank: 91 out of 182 countries
• Highlights governance challenges

What is Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI)?

• Annual index measuring perceived public sector corruption
• Score range:
  • 0 → Highly corrupt
  • 100 → Very clean
• Based on:
  • Expert assessments
  • Business surveys

KEY FINDINGS

Global Trends

• Average score: 42/100 (lowest in a decade)
• 122 out of 182 countries scored below 50
• Only 5 countries scored above 80

INDIA’S PERFORMANCE

• Score: 39/100
• Rank: 91

Trend Analysis

• Stagnant performance (38–41 since 2014)
• Governance not improving in line with economic growth

Comparative Position

• Below China
• Similar to Sri Lanka
• Better than Bangladesh and Pakistan

DATA POINTS

• CPI score range: 0–100
• India score: 39
• Rank: 91
• Global average: 42
• 122 countries below 50

Important For:

• UPSC Prelims (Reports and Indices)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 2 (Governance, Transparency)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (Economy, Investment Climate)
• Banking News
• Essay (Governance and Corruption)
• State PCS Exams

MCQs

Q.1) CPI is released by:

[1] World Bank
[2] IMF
[3] Transparency International
[4] UNDP
[5] OECD

Answer: [3]

Q.2) CPI score range is:

[1] 0–10
[2] 0–50
[3] 0–100
[4] 10–100
[5] 1–100

Answer: [3]

Q.3) India’s CPI 2025 score is:

[1] 35
[2] 37
[3] 39
[4] 41
[5] 45

Answer: [3]

Q.4) CPI measures:

[1] Actual corruption cases
[2] Perceived corruption
[3] Economic growth
[4] Poverty
[5] Inflation

Answer: [2]

Q.5) Higher CPI score indicates:

[1] Higher corruption
[2] Lower corruption
[3] No relation
[4] Economic growth
[5] Political stability

Answer: [2]

7. Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Bill, 2026

Context:

Lok Sabha passes Transgender Persons Amendment Bill 2026

• Passed via voice vote amid Opposition walkout
• Focus: Gender identity regulation and protection
• Raises concerns on rights and autonomy

What is the Bill?

• Amendment to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act
• Deals with:
  • Gender identity recognition
  • Rights and protection of transgender persons

KEY PROVISIONS

Removal of Self-Identification Rights

• Eliminates right to self-determined gender identity
• Departure from earlier judicial recognition (e.g. NALSA v Union of India)

Mandatory Medical Verification

• Requires certification by a medical board
• Introduces institutional validation

Protection-Oriented Measures

• Prevents:
  • Forced gender transition
• Strengthens:
  • Legal penalties for crimes against transgender persons

Banking/Finance

1. SEBI Proposal – Gift Cards for Mutual Fund Investments

Context:

Gift Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) for Mutual Funds

• Regulator: Securities and Exchange Board of India
• Why in News: Consultation paper released (March 2026)
• Focus: Allow gifting of mutual fund investments via prepaid instruments

What is the Proposal?

SEBI has proposed allowing Gift Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs), which can be purchased by an individual and gifted to another person, who can then use them to invest in mutual fund units.

Why is it Important?

• Promotes financial inclusion
• Encourages first-time investors
• Makes investing a social and accessible activity
• Supports deepening of capital markets

Key Features

• Gift PPIs can be used only for mutual fund investments
• Funded via:
  • Bank transfer
  • UPI (Indian accounts only)
• Validity: 1 year from issuance
• Investment Cap: ₹50,000 per investor per financial year
• Applicable only after KYC compliance of recipient

DATA POINTS

• Investment Cap: ₹50,000/year
• Validity: 1 year
• Mode: UPI / Bank Transfer only
• Instrument Type: Gift PPI
• Regulator: SEBI

Important For?

• UPSC Prelims (Economy, Financial Markets)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (Capital Markets, Financial Inclusion)
• RBI Grade B
• SEBI Grade A
• Banking Exams

MCQs

Q.1) Gift PPIs are proposed by:

[1] RBI
[2] SEBI
[3] NABARD
[4] IRDAI
[5] Finance Ministry

Answer: [2]

Q.2) Gift PPIs can be used for:

[1] Any purchase
[2] Mutual fund investments only
[3] Loan repayment
[4] Insurance premium
[5] Tax payment

Answer: [2]

Q.3) Maximum investment allowed via Gift PPIs is:

[1] ₹10,000
[2] ₹25,000
[3] ₹50,000
[4] ₹1,00,000
[5] No limit

Answer: [3]

Q.4) Validity of Gift PPIs is:

[1] 6 months
[2] 1 year
[3] 2 years
[4] 5 years
[5] Unlimited

Answer: [2]

Q.5) Which is mandatory for recipient?

[1] PAN only
[2] Aadhaar only
[3] KYC compliance
[4] Bank account abroad
[5] GST registration

Answer: [3]

2. RBI Push for Unified View of Payment Mandates

Context:

Unified Mandate View Across Payment Systems

• Regulator: Reserve Bank of India
• Why in News: RBI proposes single interface to view all mandates
• Focus: Customer protection and transparency in recurring payments

What is the Proposal?

RBI has proposed an interoperable system enabling users to view all recurring payment mandates (standing instructions) across platforms like:

• UPI
• Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard)
• Payment aggregators

in one unified dashboard (bird’s-eye view).

Key Features

• Unified mandate viewing system (proposed)
• Covers multiple platforms (UPI, cards, aggregators)
• 87 crore mandates created on UPI (Feb 2026)

RBI Digital Initiatives:

• Digital Payments Intelligence Platform → real-time risk scoring
• AI tools:
  • UPI Help (grievance redressal)
  • MuleHunter (fraud detection)
• Expansion of DPI including
  Unified Lending Interface

MCQs

Q.1) Consider the following statements:

1. Reserve Bank of India proposes a unified platform for mandates
2. Unified Payments Interface provides mandate visibility across all systems
3. Mandates refer to recurring payment instructions

Options:
[1] 1 only
[2] 1 and 2 only
[3] 1 and 3 only
[4] 2 and 3 only
[5] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: [3]

Q.2) The main objective of RBI’s proposal is:

[1] Increase tax revenue
[2] Improve transparency and customer protection
[3] Promote cash economy
[4] Reduce digital payments
[5] Control inflation

Answer: [2]

Q.3) Payment mandate refers to:

[1] One-time payment
[2] Recurring auto-debit instruction
[3] Loan approval
[4] Tax payment
[5] Insurance premium

Answer: [2]

Q.4) MuleHunter is used for:

[1] Loan processing
[2] Detecting mule accounts
[3] Payment settlement
[4] KYC verification
[5] Tax filing

Answer: [2]

Q.5) Interoperability means:

[1] Cash usage across banks
[2] Seamless integration of different systems
[3] Restricting transactions
[4] Blocking UPI
[5] Increasing fees

Answer: [2]

Agriculture

1. Women Farmers in Agriculture (International Year of the Woman Farmer 2026)

Source: PIB

Context:

United Nations declares 2026 as International Year of the Woman Farmer

• India hosts Global Conference on Women in Agri-Food Systems (GCWAS–2026)
• Focus: Women’s role in agriculture and food security
• Emphasis: Policy reforms and empowerment

Who are Women Farmers?

• Women engaged across the agricultural value chain:
  • Production
  • Processing
  • Marketing
• Role evolving from:
  • Invisible labour → Entrepreneur and decision-maker

DATA POINTS

• 80% of economically active rural women in agriculture
• 33% agricultural labourers
• 48% self-employed farmers

Financial Inclusion

• Under PM-KISAN:
  • 25% benefits to women
  • ₹1.01 lakh crore transferred

Skill Development

• 2.58 crore women trained (2022–2025)
• Focus:
  • Agro-ecology
  • Livestock management

Collectivisation

• 1,175 women-only Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

ROLE OF WOMEN FARMERS

Crop Production

• Activities:
  • Sowing
  • Weeding
  • Transplanting
• Critical in:
  • Paddy cultivation

Livestock Management

• Manage:
  • Dairy
  • Poultry
  • Small ruminants
• Example:
  • Pashu Sakhis providing veterinary services

Post-Harvest and Value Addition

• Activities:
  • Processing
  • Packaging
  • Marketing
• Example:
  • Mushroom cultivation
  • Spice processing

Natural Resource Management

• Promote:
  • Biodiversity
  • Soil health
• Example:
  • Natural farming initiatives

Technology Adoption

• Increasing use of:
  • Drones
  • Modern tools
• Example:
  • Namo Drone Didi initiative

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

• 15,000 drones for women SHGs
• 80% central assistance

Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP)

• Sub-scheme under DAY-NRLM
• Focus:
  • Skill development
  • Capacity building

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF)

• 3% interest subvention
• Supports:
  • Warehousing
  • Cold storage

Krishi Sakhi Programme

• Training 70,000 women
• Role:
  • Para-extension workers

Important For:

• NABARD Exam
• UPSC Prelims (Schemes, Agriculture, Reports)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 3 (Agriculture, Rural Economy)
• UPSC Mains GS Paper 1 (Women and Society)
• Essay (Women Empowerment, Agriculture)
• State PCS Exams

MCQs

Q.1) International Year of the Woman Farmer is:

[1] 2024
[2] 2025
[3] 2026
[4] 2027
[5] 2028

Answer: [3]

Q.2) Percentage of rural women engaged in agriculture is:

[1] 50%
[2] 60%
[3] 70%
[4] 80%
[5] 90%

Answer: [4]

Q.3) MKSP is related to:

[1] Irrigation
[2] Women empowerment in agriculture
[3] Crop insurance
[4] Fertiliser subsidy
[5] Export promotion

Answer: [2]

Q.4) Namo Drone Didi scheme focuses on:

[1] Irrigation
[2] Drone technology for women SHGs
[3] Banking
[4] Insurance
[5] Seeds

Answer: [2]

Q.5) CIWA is related to:

[1] Water management
[2] Women in agriculture
[3] Climate change
[4] Banking
[5] Trade

Answer: [2]

Facts To Remember

1. L&T Finance Joins UN Global Compact to Strengthen ESG Framework

L&T Finance Ltd became signatory to United Nations Global Compact, aligning with principles on human rights, labour, environment, and anti-corruption, with annual reporting commitment and association with PCAF for emissions tracking.

2. Goldman Sachs Cuts India GDP Growth Forecast to 5.9% for CY26

Goldman Sachs revised India’s GDP growth to 5.9% for CY26, projecting inflation at 4.6% and current account deficit at 2% of GDP amid global uncertainties.

3. Razorpay Partners Sarvam AI for Voice-Based Digital Commerce

Razorpay partnered with Sarvam AI to enable multilingual voice-based commerce, integrating AI models for real-time transactions with early rollout on Indus App and Swiggy.

4. Karnataka Grameena Bank Wins National Award for SHG Linkage

Karnataka Grameena Bank received National Award for SHG-Bank Linkage 2024-25 from MoRD for promoting financial inclusion and extending ₹2,835 crore credit to SHGs.

5. CA P.V. Narayana Rao Appointed to ICAI Sustainability Board

P V Narayana Rao appointed co-opted member of SRSB under Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for 2026–27 to strengthen sustainability reporting standards.

6. Svatantra Microfin Merger Creates 2nd Largest NBFC-MFI

Svatantra Microfin Pvt Ltd merged with CIFCPL and SHPL to form second-largest NBFC-MFI, with approvals from National Company Law Tribunal and RBI.

7. New Cockroach Species Discovered by ZSI in Maharashtra

Zoological Survey of India discovered new species ‘Neoloboptera peninsularis’ in Pune using DNA-based taxonomy, marking advancement in biodiversity research.

8. Former French PM Lionel Jospin Passes Away

Lionel Jospin passed away at 88, known for introducing 35-hour workweek and key social reforms in France.

9. International Nowruz Day Observed on March 21

United Nations observes Nowruz Day on March 21 to promote peace, cultural heritage, and global solidarity.

10. World Poetry Day 2026 Promotes Linguistic Diversity

Observed on March 21 by UNESCO with theme “Poetry as a Bridge for Peace and Inclusion” to support endangered languages.

11. World Glacier Day 2026 Highlights Climate Urgency

Observed on March 21 under United Nations to raise awareness on glacier preservation and climate change impacts.

12. International Day of Forests 2026 Celebrates Role of Forests

Observed globally on March 21 with theme “Forests and Economies” to highlight importance of forests in livelihoods and sustainability.

13. MoRD Launches Real-Time Internal Audit Portal for Governance Reforms

Ministry of Rural Development operationalised Internal Audit Portal developed by National Informatics Centre, enabling real-time audit tracking, ATR monitoring, automated alerts, and improved transparency to reduce compliance gaps.

14. NITI Aayog Sanctions ₹1.55 Crore to RISE Centre for Women Entrepreneurship

NITI Aayog approved ₹1.55 crore for RISE Centre to boost AI-based skill development, women entrepreneurship, and rural enterprise growth, benefiting over 1,000 women and supporting 300+ families.

15. PMKVY 4.0 Launched

Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said that Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) 4.0 was launched for imparting skill development training through Short-Term Training and up-skilling and re-skilling to youth across the country 

16. National Biodiversity Authority Launches 3-Month Internship Programme for Graduates and Postgraduates

The National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) launched a short-term Internship Programme of up to 3 months for students who are undergoing graduation or post-graduation programmes. 

17. India’s Growth to Remain Resilient at 7.1% in FY27 Despite Geopolitical Tensions: S&P Global

India’s economic growth is expected to remain resilient at 7.1 per cent in the financial year 2026-27, despite ongoing geopolitical tensions, according to a report by S&P Global.