Context: Gift Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs) for Mutual Funds 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? Key Features DATA POINTS Important For? 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] â‚ą10,000[2] â‚ą25,000[3] â‚ą50,000[4] â‚ą1,00,000[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]
RBI Push for Unified View of Payment Mandates
Context: Unified Mandate View Across Payment Systems What is the Proposal? RBI has proposed an interoperable system enabling users to view all recurring payment mandates (standing instructions) across platforms like: in one unified dashboard (bird’s-eye view). Key Features RBI Digital Initiatives: MCQs Q.1) Consider the following statements: 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]
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 Who are Women Farmers? DATA POINTS Financial Inclusion Skill Development Collectivisation ROLE OF WOMEN FARMERS Crop Production Livestock Management Post-Harvest and Value Addition Natural Resource Management Technology Adoption GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES Namo Drone Didi Scheme Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojana (MKSP) Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Krishi Sakhi Programme Important For: 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]
Daily Current Affairs (DCA) 24 March, 2026
Daily Current Affairs Quiz24 March, 2026 National Affairs 1. SWAMIH Investment Fund II to Be Launched Source: HT Context: The Government of India is in the process of launching SWAMIH Investment Fund II, a ₹15,000-crore fund aimed at completing stalled housing projects and providing relief to distressed homebuyers. The announcement was made by Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. About SWAMIH Fund Full Form Key Features of SWAMIH Investment Fund II 1. Fund Size 2. Objective 3. Target Segment 4. Implementation Status Background SWAMIH Fund I Purpose: Outcome: 2. Stealth Frigate Taragiri (F41) Context: The Indian Navy is set to commission the stealth frigate Taragiri (F41) on 03 April 2026 at Visakhapatnam. The warship is a key milestone under indigenous defence manufacturing and aligns with the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. About Stealth Frigate Taragiri Built By Indigenous Content Significance: Key Features 1. Stealth Capabilities 2. Advanced Weapon Systems 3. Modern Design About Project 17A 3. Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) & TAPI Pipelines Context: The ongoing West Asia crisis has disrupted global energy supplies, highlighting India’s dependence on imported hydrocarbons. This has renewed focus on cross-border pipeline projects like the IPI and TAPI pipelines. Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline Key Features 1. Objective 2. Capacity 3. Strategic Significance Current Status Reasons for India’s Exit (2007) 4. Centre Launches AI Skilling Drive with Google & YouTube Source: TH Context: The Government of India, led by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched key initiatives to boost India’s media, broadcasting, and digital ecosystem, with a focus on strengthening the creative (orange) economy. Key Initiatives Launched 1. National AI Skilling Initiative Key Features: Phase I (March–June 2026): Phase II (July–December 2026): 2. MyWAVES Platform Features: Objective: 3. TV Broadcasting Reforms Benefit: What is the “Orange Economy”? Examples: 5. Centre to Amend Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act Source: TH Context: The Union Government is set to introduce amendments to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 during the ongoing Parliament session. The proposed changes aim to strengthen regulation, accountability, and oversight of foreign-funded NGOs. Key Proposed Amendments 1. Appointment of “Designated Authority” Applicable when: 2. Expansion of “Key Functionary” Definition The term will now include: 3. Liability of Key Functionaries Implication: 4. Prior Approval for Investigation Concern: 5. Fixed Timelines for Fund Utilisation Earlier Situation: Benefit: 6. Reduction in Punishment Objective: Background About FCRA Current Scenario Banking/Finance 1. Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) Source: Mint Context: The Government of India launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) in March 2026 to inject ₹20,000 crore liquidity into the microfinance sector and support financial inclusion. About CGSMFI-2.0 Purpose: Implementing Agencies Aim of the Scheme Key Features 1. Tiered Guarantee Coverage Focus: Prioritises smaller institutions 2. Interest Rate Regulation 3. Low Guarantee Fee 4. Time-bound Scheme 5. Target Beneficiaries 2. Net FDI Negative for Fifth Straight Month Source: TH Context: India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained negative for the fifth consecutive month in January 2026, as per data released by the Reserve Bank of India. Outflows exceeded inflows by nearly $1.4 billion, indicating pressure on India’s external sector. Key Data Highlights Net FDI Position FDI Outflows (a) Outward FDI by Indian Companies (b) Repatriation & Disinvestment Key Reasons for Negative Net FDI 1. Rising Repatriation 2. Decline in Fresh Inflows 3. Increased Outward Investments Economic Implications 1. External Sector Pressure 2. Currency Depreciation Risk 3. Investment Climate Concerns 3. SEBI Approves Conflict of Interest Panel Recommendations Source: ET Context: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has approved key recommendations of a High-Level Committee on Conflict of Interest to strengthen governance, transparency, and ease of doing business in financial markets. Key Decisions Taken by SEBI 1. Strengthening Conflict of Interest Framework Inclusion as “Insiders” Digital Conflict Monitoring Institutional Mechanisms Role: Separate Regulations for Board Members 2. Simplification of “Fit and Proper Person” Norms Who are intermediaries? Revised Criteria 3. Major Reform for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs) Net Settlement System Introduced Earlier System: Benefits: 4. Boost to Social Impact Investments Objective: 4. RBI in Talks with 4–5 Countries on Cross-Border CBDC Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in discussions with 4–5 countries, including Asian and European economies, to develop cross-border transaction systems using Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). What is CBDC? Key Developments 1. Cross-Border CBDC Collaboration Objective: 2. Expected Benefits (a) Lower Remittance Costs (b) Faster Transactions (c) Reduced Compliance Layers Agriculture 1. Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) Source: TH Context: India’s push for 300 GW solar capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070 is increasing pressure on land resources. With agriculture already occupying over half of India’s land, Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) is emerging as a sustainable solution to balance energy and food security. The Union Budget 2026–27 increased allocation for PM-KUSUM Scheme to ₹5,000 crore, reinforcing farmer-centric solarisation. What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)? Types of AgriPV Systems 1. Elevated Systems 2. Row-Based Systems 3. Vertical Systems 4. Greenhouse-Integrated Systems Crop Selection Strategy Key Principle Suitable Crops Regional Examples Benefits of AgriPV 1. Dual Land Use Efficiency 2. Increased Farmer Income 3. Environmental Benefits 4. Energy & Rural Development Facts To Remember 1. North Korea’s Kim reappointed as President of state affairs: state media North Korea’s rubber-stamp legislature has re-elected Kim Jong-un as President of state affairs, state media reported on Monday. 2. S. Thyagarajan, doyen of sports journalism, passes away S. Thyagarajan, 85, veteran sports correspondent, who worked with The Hindu for more than five decades, passed away here on Monday. 3. Outward Remittances Under LRS Decline by 3.2% in Jan 2026 Outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme of the Reserve Bank of India declined 3.19% year-on-year (Y-o-Y) to $2.68 billion in January 2026, indicating moderation in overseas spending by Indian residents. 4. Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 Held in New Delhi; Carbon Market Portal Launched First edition of Bharat Electricity Summit 2026 was held at Yashobhoomi from March 19–22, 2026, inaugurated by Manohar Lal Khattar, organised by Bureau of Energy Efficiency, with theme “Electrifying Growth. Empowering Sustainability. Connecting Globally”, and featured launch of Indian Carbon Market Portal. 5. Government Launches CGSMFI 2.0 to Boost
Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) & TAPI Pipelines
Context: The ongoing West Asia crisis has disrupted global energy supplies, highlighting India’s dependence on imported hydrocarbons. This has renewed focus on cross-border pipeline projects like the IPI and TAPI pipelines. Iran–Pakistan–India (IPI) Pipeline Key Features 1. Objective 2. Capacity 3. Strategic Significance Current Status Reasons for India’s Exit (2007)
SWAMIH Investment Fund II to Be Launched
Source: HT Context: The Government of India is in the process of launching SWAMIH Investment Fund II, a â‚ą15,000-crore fund aimed at completing stalled housing projects and providing relief to distressed homebuyers. The announcement was made by Nirmala Sitharaman in Parliament. About SWAMIH Fund Full Form Key Features of SWAMIH Investment Fund II 1. Fund Size 2. Objective 3. Target Segment 4. Implementation Status Background SWAMIH Fund I Purpose: Outcome:
Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0)
Source: Mint Context: The Government of India launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for Microfinance Institutions-2.0 (CGSMFI-2.0) in March 2026 to inject â‚ą20,000 crore liquidity into the microfinance sector and support financial inclusion. About CGSMFI-2.0 Purpose: Implementing Agencies Aim of the Scheme Key Features 1. Tiered Guarantee Coverage Focus: Prioritises smaller institutions 2. Interest Rate Regulation 3. Low Guarantee Fee 4. Time-bound Scheme 5. Target Beneficiaries
Net FDI Negative for Fifth Straight Month
Source: TH Context: India’s Net Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) remained negative for the fifth consecutive month in January 2026, as per data released by the Reserve Bank of India. Outflows exceeded inflows by nearly $1.4 billion, indicating pressure on India’s external sector. Key Data Highlights Net FDI Position FDI Outflows (a) Outward FDI by Indian Companies (b) Repatriation & Disinvestment Key Reasons for Negative Net FDI 1. Rising Repatriation 2. Decline in Fresh Inflows 3. Increased Outward Investments Economic Implications 1. External Sector Pressure 2. Currency Depreciation Risk 3. Investment Climate Concerns
RBI in Talks with 4–5 Countries on Cross-Border CBDC
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in discussions with 4–5 countries, including Asian and European economies, to develop cross-border transaction systems using Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). What is CBDC? Key Developments 1. Cross-Border CBDC Collaboration Objective: 2. Expected Benefits (a) Lower Remittance Costs (b) Faster Transactions (c) Reduced Compliance Layers
Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)
Source: TH Context: India’s push for 300 GW solar capacity by 2030 and net-zero by 2070 is increasing pressure on land resources. With agriculture already occupying over half of India’s land, Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV) is emerging as a sustainable solution to balance energy and food security. The Union Budget 2026–27 increased allocation for PM-KUSUM Scheme to ₹5,000 crore, reinforcing farmer-centric solarisation. What is Agri-Photovoltaics (AgriPV)? Types of AgriPV Systems 1. Elevated Systems 2. Row-Based Systems 3. Vertical Systems 4. Greenhouse-Integrated Systems Crop Selection Strategy Key Principle Suitable Crops Regional Examples Benefits of AgriPV 1. Dual Land Use Efficiency 2. Increased Farmer Income 3. Environmental Benefits 4. Energy & Rural Development
